Thousands expected to march through London today, calling for the release of the hostages

Thousands are expected to march through London today, joining a worldwide call to bring the hostages home.

Coinciding with the annual Israel Day Parade held in New York, Jewish and non-Jewish organisations are being invited to march in delegations alongside family members of the hostages. Individuals who are not part of an organisation are also able to take part.

Orit Eyal-Fibeesh, from 7/10 Human Chain, one of the organisers, said: “The message is that this is a global and united call to bring the hostages home now. The feeling is that time is running out – or even that time has run out – as fewer and fewer hostages are left.”

“We are really concerned for those who are still alive, especially for the girls, but for all of them. Stories are emerging of them being raped regularly. There is a real sense of urgency now.”

Twenty-four countries around the world will be holding marches in major cities, including Paris, Madrid, Berlin and Melbourne.

In London, delegations will carry their own banners, together with posters of the hostages. Organisers are hoping that groups from cities outside London, such as Cambridge, Brighton and Oxford, will travel to London to join the march.

We will send a message to the world that nothing is more urgent than reaching a deal to end the suffering by releasing the hostages

Eyal-Fibeesh said: “There is real concern that the awareness of the plight of the hostages is being forgotten by the mainstream media. Through this significant event, we will send a message to the world that there is nothing more urgent than reaching a deal to end the suffering by releasing the hostages.”

She added that the march would also show “our support for the resilient hostage families and remarkable people of Israel who demonstrate solidarity during these challenging times”.

Marchers will gather at 1.30pm at Lincoln’s Inn Fields Park for a prompt start at 2pm. Speeches by family members of hostages and prominent figures will be at 2pm in Whitehall.

Participants are being asked to bring something yellow and are advised to bring water due to the warm weather.

On October 7, over 1,200 people were murdered by Hamas terrorists and more than 250 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage. 125 remain in Gaza, including four people taken hostage in 2014 and 2015. At least 37 of them are presumed dead, with Hamas holding onto the bodies.

The march is being organised together with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum UK. The exact location will be published nearer the time.

Please register your participation here

If you are able to donate to the BringThemHomeNow campaign, click here