By Angelo AmanteROME (Reuters) - The world must take a stand against Islamist violence to avoid it spreading and take action to ensure the swift release of hostages taken by Hamas militants after their Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, families of victims said on Wednesday.
The group included Avi Eylon, whose 23-year-old daughter, Shira, was killed with a friend while attending a music festival.
Some 222 people were taken hostage after the attack on southern Israel in which 1,400 people were killed.
Hamas on Monday freed two Israeli civilian women following the release of two hostages with dual U.S.-Israeli nationality on Friday.
Health officials in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip said more than 6,500 people have been killed since Israel began its bombing campaign in response.
Persons:
Angelo Amante ROME, Giorgia Meloni, Avi Eylon, Shira, Israel, Eviatar Moshe Kipnis, Lilian Le Havron, Nadav, Angelo Amante, Nick Macfie
Organizations:
Reuters, Health, Gaza, Hamas
Locations:
Israel, Rome, Europe, Italy, Qatar, Egypt, Palestine, France, Belgium