Live updates: Talks between Israel and Hamas on ceasefire and hostage-taking in the Gaza Strip

Protesters formed a human chain outside Israel’s parliament, also known as the Knesset, on Tuesday to demand the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza, as new signs emerge that Israel and Hamas may be moving closer to a ceasefire deal.

Many of those gathered held large banners with the names and faces of the prisoners and the words “Don’t leave me behind!” And “Everyone is a humanitarian case!” No one should be left behind!”

The protest comes on the same day that negotiators are scheduled to meet in the Qatari capital Doha in the hope of reaching a ceasefire agreement that would include the release of some hostages.

Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages in the first phase of the emerging deal. Negotiations to reach the second phase – which aims to end the war – would begin on the 16th day of the agreement’s implementation.

One protester, Shay Dickmann, said a family member held in Gaza was released under a previous ceasefire and hostage-taking deal in November 2023, while another – her cousin – was killed during Hamas captivity in the enclave.

“From my family, I know what it’s like when someone comes back alive with a deal,” she said.

“We won’t let any of them go. We want them all back home. And it sounds like there is an opportunity right now, but we can’t pass it up until we see what they do here in Israel,” she added.

Asked if she had a message for negotiators working on an agreement, Dickmann implored them to keep working until all the hostages were released.

“We trust you can do it this time. We need your help. And right now it seems like you’re the key,” she said.