Live Updates: Gaza ceasefire begins after Hamas releases list of hostages to be released

Thousands of people gathered in the streets of Israel on the eve of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, as the country awaits the return of hostages held captive for 15 months in Gaza.

In Tel Aviv, thousands of protesters gathered Saturday evening in a square known as “Hostage Square,” where families of prisoners have held rallies for more than a year. Many called on the government to negotiate the release of all the hostages.

Luis Har, a former hostage held in Gaza for four months, expressed concern for the well-being of those still trapped by Hamas.

Thirty-three Israeli hostages held by Hamas and its allies are expected to be released during the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which is expected to last six weeks. It is not yet known whether they are all alive.

Hamas and its allies still hold 94 of the 251 people captured in the October 7 attack on southern Israel. Of them, at least 34 have died, according to the Israeli government, although the real number is expected to be higher. More than 150 have already been returned.

Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv and across Israel, anti-government protesters also gathered, calling for an end to the war and the resignation of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

“We want them to come back alive, not in coffins,” a crowd chanted as they marched from HaBima Square to Begin Road in Tel Aviv, holding banners and waving Israeli flags.

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan Zangauker is being held captive by Hamas, called on the nation to ensure the government “does not derail this deal.”

Members of the “Rose Front,” a group of young artists and performers who often lead the chants at protests, shouted pro-democracy slogans to the beat of drums, calling for a comprehensive agreement to bring back all the hostages.