In march on Jerusalem, thousands press Israeli government to do more to free hostages held in Gaza

By JULIA FRANKEL
Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) — Thousands of family members and supporters of some 240 hostages held in Gaza have streamed into Jerusalem on foot to castigate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his handling of the war with Hamas. They pleaded with the government to do more to bring their loved ones home. The march on Saturday capped a five-day trek from Tel Aviv and marked the largest protest on behalf of the hostages since they were dragged into Gaza by Hamas militants on Oct. 7. Israeli leaders have declared war to crush Hamas and to bring the hostages home. Some of the hostage families fear the Israeli military offensive endangers their loved ones.