Families of hostages protest in Israel as conflict with Hamas reaches 500 days

Families of hostages held in Gaza protested across Israel, marking 500 days of war with Hamas. They participated in a 500-minute fast and blocked roads, urging for the release of their loved ones. Released hostages shared their experiences at rallies, describing poor conditions during captivity. One former captive highlighted the drastic weight loss he suffered, while another spoke of receiving rotten food before release. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Currently, 73 hostages remain in Gaza, with 36 believed to be dead.