IDF says lighting of first Hanukkah candle will be 'beacon of hope' for hostages' return

Israeli soldiers from the Givati Brigade mark the first night of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah by lighting the first candle on their base in southern Israel on Thursday, Dec. 7. (AP/Maya Alleruzzo)

The Israel Defense Forces said Thursday that lighting the first Hanukkah candle will serve as a "beacon of hope, illuminating the path for our hostages' safe return" from the Gaza Strip.

The message came in a video that the IDF posted on X showing instances throughout history of the persecution of Jewish people.

"We will continue to fight so that no family has to celebrate without their loved ones again. So tonight, all those who celebrate will light the first Hanukkah candle, serving as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for our hostages' safe return," a soldier says in the video.

"Our light will overcome Hamas' darkness," the soldier adds.