Israeli residents of Tel Aviv express hope for peace in 2025 and for the return of hostages still held in Gaza after "one of the most horrible years" in the country's history, says Tal Greenberg, a physician, as she holds back her tears. Similarly, Yoav Amir, an industrial designer, calls on world leaders to "stop all the wars". Hamas militants seized 251 hostages during the October 7 attacks, some of whom were already dead. Of those, 96 are still held in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli army says are dead. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES