Live updates: Gaza ceasefire begins after Hamas releases list of hostages to be freed

Thousands of people gathered in the streets across Israel on the eve of a ceasefire deal with Hamas as the nation awaits the return of hostages who have been held captive in Gaza for the past 15 months.

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

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

Thirty-three Israeli hostages held by Hamas and its allies are expected to be released under the first phase of the ceasefire deal, which is set to last six weeks. It is still unclear if they are all alive.

Hamas and its allies are still holding 94 of the 251 people taken from the October 7 attack on southern Israel. Of those, at least 34 have died, according to the Israeli government, although the true 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 for Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to step down.

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

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan Zangauker is being held captive by Hamas, urged the nation to make sure the government “does not blow up this deal.”

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