Israeli hostages' family members and their supporters attend a protest marking the first anniversary of the 07 October 2023 Hamas-led attack, next to the Israeli Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem, 07 October 2024. EFE/EPA/ATEF SAFADI

Israeli families demand hostage deal 1 year after Hamas attack

Jerusalem, Oct 7 (EFE).- Hundreds of Israelis, including relatives of some of the 101 hostages still held in Gaza, gathered in front of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence early Monday to demand he strikes a deal to free their loved ones who were kidnapped one year ago.

Israeli hostages' family members and their supporters attend a protest marking the first anniversary of the 07 October 2023 Hamas-led attack, next to the Israeli Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem, 07 October 2024. EFE/EPA/ATEF SAFADI

A siren sounded for two minutes outside the president’s residence in Jerusalem at 6.29 am (03:29 GMT), the exact moment when Hamas’ attack on Israeli territory began a year ago, resulting in the killing of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251.

Israeli hostages' family members and their supporters attend a protest marking the first anniversary of the 07 October 2023 Hamas-led attack, next to the Israeli Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem, 07 October 2024. EFE/EPA/ATEF SAFADI

“It’s been a year without any news from you, a year without any sign of life. Dad, I love you and we fight for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Yuli Ben-Ami, daughter of the captive Ohad Ben-Ami, and whose mother was released during the only truce after 54 days of being held in Gaza.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog embraces a family member of victims killed at the Supernova music festival at a gathering in memory of their relatives, at the Supernova memorial site for the victims of the 07 October 2023 attack, near Kibbutz Re'im, close to the border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, 07 October 2024. EFE/EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Also at 6.29 am on Monday a minute of silence took place where the Nova music festival was held a year ago, near Kibbutz Reim, in southern Israel, and where at least 370 people were killed and others were snatched.

The event, which was attended by relatives of the deceased and the international press, was also attended by Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, who made a renewed call for a hostage agreement.

He said Israel must do everything possible to bring back its hostages from Gaza.

“The world has to realize and understand that in order to change the course of history and bring peace, a better future to the region, it must support Israel in its battle against its enemies,” added Herzog. EFE

pms/tw