TEL AVIV—Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square on Saturday night to express their gratitude to President Donald Trump for his role in brokering a ceasefire and hostage-release agreement between Israel and Hamas. The massive demonstration took place just hours before the expected release of Israeli captives held in the Gaza Strip.
The crowd erupted in cheers, with many shouting “Thank you, Trump,” as U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and daughter Ivanka Trump addressed the rally. The deal, which calls for Hamas to release 20 live hostages and the remains of 28 others by Monday, in exchange for Israel freeing approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, has been lauded by Israeli officials and the families of the captives.
Speaking to the assembled crowd, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff called the gathering a “powerful night,” praising the former president, Kushner, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for their intensive diplomatic efforts.
“I dreamed of this night for a long time. This is the most powerful sight. Hearts beating as one, gathered here in Tel Aviv for peace, for unity and for hope in this sacred place we call Hostages Square. I only wish the President was here,” Witkoff stated. He confirmed that the hostages “are coming home” and described Mr. Trump as “a man who is a humanitarian through and through, with an indomitable spirit.”
Jared Kushner commended the resilience of the Israeli people, emphasizing that the true celebration would begin only after the hostages were safely returned.
Ivanka Trump also addressed the families of the hostages, sharing words of admiration and support. “The strength of every family waiting, praying, and believing. I am in awe by their strengths and conviction in spite of such suffering,” she said. Speaking on behalf of her father, she added, “The president wanted me to share… that he sees you, he hears you, he stands with you always, always.”
The agreement, which went into effect on Friday, also entails an Israeli military withdrawal to an agreed-upon line in the Gaza Strip, and the flow of humanitarian aid into the territory.
