The families of Israelis being held by the Islamic group Hamas have called for help from Japan's government and people in releasing their loved ones.

Israel's government is sending families abroad to rally international support for efforts to free the captives in Gaza.

Three families of young people who were taking part in a music festival that was raided by Hamas on October 7 are visiting Japan.

Three members of the group held a news conference on Tuesday at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.

Yacov Argamani is waiting to be reunited with his only daughter Noa, a 26-year-old university student.

He said as long as the war between Israel and Hamas continues, people will die on both sides, and parents in Gaza will cry for their lost children just like parents in Israel. He added that only a ceasefire and dialogue can resolve the problem.

Idit Ohel's 22-year-old son Alon is a pianist. She said, "Our loved ones... are not a number. They have a life."
She called on Japan's government and people not to forget the captives until all of them are back home.

Hamas released 110 hostages, mostly women and children, during a seven-day pause in the fighting. But the Israeli government says more than 130 remain in captivity.

As Israel ramps up its military offensive on Gaza, Hamas says multiple hostages have been killed in the attacks.