JERUSALEM - Thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on June 22 to mark the 20th birthday of Naama Levy, who has been held hostage in Gaza since Oct 7, and to call for an immediate ceasefire in the war with Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Releasing balloons and chanting to the beat of drums, protesters shared bite-sized cupcakes decorated with birthday candles, while demanding the release of all hostages taken by Hamas following its deadly raid on Israel eight months ago.

"She needs to be here with her family, with her friends," said Yoni Levy, 52, Naama's father, wearing a shirt emblazoned with his daughter's image.

On June 18, Naama's elder brother Amit shared memories of his sister with Reuters, pointing to her smiling face in a magazine picture with the headline: "Bring Her Home".

"I really can't wait to see this smile when she comes back soon," he said.

A video of Naama posted by Hamas militants on Oct 7 - showing her with hands tied behind her back, dressed in tattered pyjamas and visibly injured - went viral on social media.

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