CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) --There was a demonstration in support of Palestinian people Monday on Federal Plaza in the Loop. At the same time, family members of Israeli hostages were in Chicago pushing for a deal to get all hostages back home.
Hundreds of people gathered in solidarity with Palestinians calling for a cease fire in Israel's war against Hamas.
"We want more from the White House. We want more from the Biden administration," one demonstrator said. "The genocide must stop."
Israeli forces rescued two captives Monday in Rafah, the packed southern town along the Egyptian border, in a raid that killed at least 74 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and caused heavy destruction.
Meanwhile, two family members of Israeli hostages visited the U.S, calling for help to bring their loved ones home. Yaniv Yaakov and Bar Rudaeff were encouraged to hear that two hostages were rescued.
They spoke to CBS 2. "It was like the best news ever," Yaakov said.
"The two hostages that were released were taken from the same kibbutz that my father has lived and was taken from," said Rudaeff.
Neither of the men hold out a lot of hope that their loved ones will be rescued. They want to see a deal to free all hostages.
The death toll in Gaza has reached 28,473 since the war began on Oct. 7, according to its health ministry. More than 68,000 people have been wounded, the health ministry says.
Israel initiated the war after an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in southern Israel by militants, who also took 250 people captive, according to Israeli authorities.
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