Thousands gathered in front of Israel’s parliament to demand the return of the hostages abducted by Hamas in Gaza exactly six months ago, TRT World reports.

“Stay strong you who are still there,” cried 17-year-old former hostage Agam Goldstein with tears in her eyes. The teenager was freed in a deal with Hamas at the end of November.

In another moment of high emotion at the Sunday rally, Ofri Bibas appealed for the lives of her brother Yarden, his wife Shiri and their sons, Ariel, 4, and one-year-old Kfir — the youngest of the hostages.

About 250 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. The army says 129 are still being held in Gaza, including 34 who are presumed dead.

Read the full story here.

Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 attacks by Hamas hold placards during a demonstration in front of the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on April 7. — AFP
Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 attacks by Hamas hold placards during a demonstration in front of the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on April 7. — AFP

Opinion

Editorial

New regional order
Updated 11 May, 2026

New regional order

The fact is that the US has only one true security commitment in the Middle East — Israel.
A better start
11 May, 2026

A better start

THE first 1,000 days of a child’s life often shape decades to come. In Pakistan, where chronic malnutrition has...
Widening gap
11 May, 2026

Widening gap

PAKISTAN’S monthly trade deficit ballooned to $4.07bn last month, its highest level since June 2022, further...
Momentary relief
Updated 10 May, 2026

Momentary relief

THE IMF’s approval of the latest review of Pakistan’s ongoing Fund programme comes at a moment of growing global...
India’s global shame
10 May, 2026

India’s global shame

INDIA’s rabid streak is at an all-time high. Prejudice is now an organised movement to erase religious freedoms ...
Aurat March restrictions
Updated 10 May, 2026

Aurat March restrictions

The message could not have been clearer: women may gather, but only if they remain politically harmless.