Months of shuttle diplomacy have failed to end the war in Gaza, which began after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 that killed 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage. Around 105 captives were later released in a weeklong cease-fire in November 2023 in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.

After more than a year of talks, both sides say they are close to a deal that could halt Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and return Israeli hostages home.

At a time when a deal between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages appears imminent, thousands of Israelis have taken to streets. While families of hostages are holding rallies calling for their return,