Israel observes Holocaust Remembrance Day with nationwide silence

Israelis paused in silence to pay their respects to those killed by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during the Second World War.

Traffic stopped as people stepped out of vehicles, bowing their heads in respect.

At Tel Aviv’s Dizengoff Square, families of current hostages held aloft photos of their loved ones amid the siren’s wail.

The sombre day is also marked by ceremonies and memorials at schools and community centres.

In Jerusalem, leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, laid wreaths at Yad Vashem, the national Holocaust Memorial.