People have continued to hold rallies in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv to pray for the safe return of hostages held by Islamic group Hamas.

Families of the captives and their supporters on Saturday gathered in a square in the central part of Israel's largest commercial city.

Hundreds of people called for the prompt release of the more than 220 people still held hostage as Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip grow more intense.

As a message that they are still waiting for their loved ones, the organizer set up a long dining table and laid plates in front of empty seats.

The square is filled with posters showing the faces of the hostages.

A woman who says her friend is in captivity urged the Israeli government to do its utmost to save all of the hostages, expressing concerns about uncertainty of their fate in the near future.

Another woman expressed her wish for the immediate return of the hostages, but showed her objection to the victimization of Gaza residents.

She said she wants an immediate ceasefire in the conflict.