Israelis across the country united in demonstrations on Wednesday to mark 600 days since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, with nationwide gatherings demanding the release of 58 hostages still held captive in Gaza.

The coordinated demonstrations began at precisely 6:29 a.m., the exact moment Hamas launched its deadly assault nearly two years ago. Citizens gathered at various locations across Israel, forming human symbols of solidarity and hope.

In Tel Aviv, protesters waded into the Mediterranean Sea near the US Embassy, arranging themselves to spell out messages like "Save Them Now" and "58" in the sand. Similar demonstrations took place in Zichron Yaakov, where participants formed yellow ribbon symbols on grassy areas.

At Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, demonstrators dressed in yellow shirts formed a large circle while holding yellow balloons. They watched as the digital counter tracking the time since the hostages were taken changed from 599 to 600 days, erupting into chants of "Bring them home now!" before releasing balloons into the morning sky.

The demonstrations extended throughout the country, with a massive yellow ribbon tied around Jaffa's historic clock tower. Human chains and ribbon formations appeared in Hadera, Holon, Kfar Saba, Nahalal Junction, Modiin, and Emek Hefer. In northern Israel, citizens formed a human chain along the main road from Na'an to Sitriya.

Jerusalem residents gathered at a park near the home of Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who leads Israel's hostage negotiation team. The gathering included prayers for the new month and renewed pleas for the captives' safe return.

Bereaved Parents Call for Accountability

At 7:10 a.m., a group of bereaved parents stood outside the Tel Aviv home of Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, directly addressing him through a microphone.

"Go out on your porch and look at us," pleaded one father. "Our children were killed and assaulted on October 7. For 600 days, you have turned away from us. We won't let this break us, and we'll continue to fight."

The grieving parents also called for new elections in Israel, expressing frustration over the government's refusal to establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attack and its aftermath.

The nationwide demonstrations highlight the ongoing trauma and unresolved grief that continues to affect Israeli society 600 days after the Hamas attack, with families of hostages and victims maintaining pressure on the government to secure the release of those still held captive.