The families of over 220 hostages seized by Hamas are demanding answers from the Israeli government, fearing that the ongoing military actions in the Gaza Strip are jeopardizing the lives of their loved ones. In response to the families’ threats of street protests, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a sudden meeting with the families, assuring them that every effort will be made to bring the hostages home. However, no commitment to a deal was made. The Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, stated in a press conference that putting military pressure on Hamas could lead to a negotiated solution for the release of the hostages. Hamas has demanded the release of all Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails in exchange for the captives. The government has confirmed that 229 captives from various countries were taken on October 7, and the Hamas military wing claims that almost 50 hostages have died in Israeli air raids. Several protests have taken place in support of the hostage families’ demands for answers and a resolution to the situation.