'We finally feel hope' Israeli crowds yearn for hostage release | International

TEL AVIV, Oct 12, 2025 (AFP) - Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered beneath a screen in Tel Aviv marking 735 days since Hamas took hostages to Gaza, finally daring to hope a ceasefire will herald an end to their ordeal. "My emotions are immense, there are no words to describe them -- for me, for us, for all of Israel, which wants the hostages home and waits to see them all return," said Einav Zangauker, mother of 25-year-old hostage Matan Zangauker. "We finally feel hope, but we cannot and will not stop now," added Zairo Shachar Mohr Munder. The body of his uncle, Abraham Munder -- abducted on October 7, 2023, during Hamas's unprecedented assault on Israel by air,...