Thousands join Israeli hostage families in march on Jerusalem

3/3/2024 6:25

        A march by thousands of Israelis demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza reached Jerusalem on Saturday as negotiators prepared to resume
        ceasefire negotiations in Cairo that would include a swap deal with Hamas.
        
        A column of protesters, led by families of hostages seized by Palestinian militants during Hamas' deadly rampage through southern Israel on Oct. 7, walked up the winding highway to Jerusalem, arriving at the city at sundown.
        
        Holding up Israeli flags, yellow balloons and posters of the hostages, they concluded a four-day march that began at one of sites hit by the October attack, and were expected to be joined by more protesters at a rally outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence.
        
        Gaza truce talks are expected to resume in the Egyptian capital on Sunday. U.S. President Joe Biden has said he hopes a ceasefire will be in place by the time of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which starts on March 10.
        
        Dozens of hostages could be freed if a deal is reached.