Hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets on August 17 in one of the largest demonstrations since the war in Gaza began, demanding that the government secure a deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for an end to the conflict. The biggest gathering was in Tel Aviv’s “Hostages Square,” where organizers said more than 300,000 people joined the rally.
Universities, offices, and roads were closed, while demonstrations were staged outside the homes of government ministers. Organizers claimed more than one million people took part in coordinated actions throughout the day. Police reported nearly 40 arrests.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the demonstrations, warning they would “harden Hamas’ stance” and hinder negotiations for the hostages’ release. In total, 50 hostages remain in Gaza, where they have been held since the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.
There are possibly hundreds of gruesome stories around the world that tell tales of kidnapping and ransom, desperation and diplomacy, or simply haunting testaments of human endurance. Indeed, being held hostage is certainly a harrowing experience, and there are some people who don’t always make it out alive.
But how long have some people been held in captivity? And is there possibly a record of some of the longest hostage situations in history? Well, yes, there is. Click through this gallery to read all about those cases.