Demonstrators in Israel have called for the release of hostages held in the Palestinian territory of Gaza. Meanwhile pro-Palestinians rallied in New York.

In Israel's largest commercial hub of Tel Aviv, an organizer says about 100,000 people took part in a rally on Saturday, to mark exactly 50 days since the October 7 surprise attack by Hamas.

Relatives and supporters of hostages were on stage, holding pictures of their loved ones still held captive.
An Israeli singer sang a song that wishes their safe return. All the participants chanted for the immediate release of the hostages.

A woman whose 84-year-old mother was taken away said she is angry and sad. She said she is worried if her mother is getting the medications she needs.

On the delay of the hostage release announced by Hamas, she said Hamas is playing a game, which she likened to psychological terrorism. She said she expects the eventual release of all hostages but that everything is fluid.

Another participant said he hopes the hostages will be released even if the timing is delayed into the late hours. He said Hamas is trying to demoralize the families and to divide Israel but that they are committed to bringing all hostages back home.

Meanwhile, near the Central Park in New York, hundreds of people took part in a pro-Palestinian rally.

They condemned Israel's military operation in Gaza, hoisting placards and waving flags.

One of them called a four-day pause in the fighting too short. He said it is all a facade and that a four-day ceasefire is not a ceasefire.

A mother brought her child to the rally. She said children being killed in Gaza is one of most tragic things that ever happened. She said she had her child participate in the rally so that the child can see what it means to speak up for others.

The city was crowded with holiday shoppers as it is the Thanksgiving weekend but a large presence of police officers prevented major incidents.