A large group of Israel supporters gathered at Columbia University to counter Palestinian supporters and call for the safe return of hostages currently held by Hamas. The rally was marked by chants of 'Bring them home, alive, now!' as the crowd waved Israeli and American flags and held photographs of the hostages.
According to reports, approximately 250 hostages were taken captive when Hamas militants attacked Israel's southern border on October 7, resulting in over 1,200 casualties. Currently, 133 hostages remain in captivity.
The attack on the border triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza, leading to tens of thousands of civilian Palestinian deaths. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to engage in hostilities.
