Israelis Commemorate 100 Days Since Hamas Attack With Music, Dance, And Prayers For Gaza Hostages

In Tel Aviv, amid cold and rainy weather, hundreds of Israelis gathered to mark the 100th day since Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, reflecting on the retaliatory actions that followed. Israeli officials report that 132 hostages remain in Gaza, with concerns that 25 may have lost their lives.

Amit Zach, a graphic designer present at the event, expressed frustration over the hostages' prolonged captivity, stating, "One hundred days and they are still abandoned there 100 days and there is no sign of their return," as quoted by news agency AFP.

Families of the captives have spearheaded the campaign to secure their release, ensuring the issue remains at the forefront of domestic discourse. Israeli politicians highlight the return of hostages as a key objective in Gaza, alongside the destruction of Hamas and the prevention of a recurrence of the October 7 attack.

However, some attendees in Tel Aviv voiced dissatisfaction, with Gili Dvash Yeshurun stating that the 100th-day situation was not anticipated, highlighting a perceived breakdown in the "concept of security" between citizens and the government.

The initial Hamas attack resulted in around 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians. Around 250 people were also abducted by Hamas fighters from Southern Israel and from the music festival. Some of the hostages were freed in a swap deal in late November but many remain there.

Israel has since bombarded Gaza by land, sea, and air, killing at least 23,968 people in the Palestinian territory, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Various events, including music performances, scripture readings, and a cycle ride, were organised throughout Tel Aviv to commemorate the day. Israeli President Isaac Herzog affirmed the commitment to resolving the hostage issue, vowing to use all available means.

Israeli trade union federation Histadrut reported a 100-minute work stoppage by hundreds of thousands of workers nationwide to mark the 100th day of captivity. The day's activities included the unveiling of a mock Hamas tunnel outside the Tel Aviv Museum of Art by families of hostages.

However, a late Sunday announcement from a Hamas spokesperson raised concerns, stating that the fate of many hostages is unknown, suggesting that "most likely, many of them were killed recently."

"The fate of many of the enemy's hostages and detainees has become unknown in recent weeks and the rest have all entered the tunnel of the unknown due to the Zionist aggression," Abu Obeida said in a televised statement.

"Most likely, many of them were killed recently, the rest are in great danger every hour and the enemy's leadership and army bear full responsibility.