The families of Israelis taken hostage by Hamas in the October 7 attack are marching from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to try to put pressure on the Israeli government to secure their release.
Thousands of people are taking part in the march which will end in a protest outside the home of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later today.
One of the protesters, Yuval Haran, said seven of his family members were among those kidnapped and taken to Gaza: his mother, sister, her husband and their children aged eight and three and a cousin aged 12.
“How can you put a price on a three-year-old girl? We need them back now at any price,” he said.
“We are marching here today to Jerusalem, hundreds of families and thousands of people, come join us to Jerusalem, hear our shout, bring them back home now. The whole world shout with us – bring them back home now.”
Negotiations have been taking place over the possible release of some hostages in return for conditions that could include a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and the release of some Palestinian prisoners held by Israel – but no deal has yet been agreed.
Meanwhile the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is investigating reports of dozens of deaths at a UN-run school-turned-shelter in Gaza.
Footage from the scene appears to show several casualties in the Al-Fakhoura school, which is located in the Jabalia refugee camp and has been used as a shelter for displaced people.
In the meantime UN agency for Palestinian refugees says it has received a delivery of fuel, but much more is needed for it to continue its humanitarian operations.
Israel’s war cabinet said two fuel trucks would be allowed to enter Gaza each day, but a statement from the UN agency says this is only half the amount needed for humanitarian operations.
Fuel is needed for ambulances, sewage pumps and hospitals as well as the telecommunications network.
