Israelis Rally for Hostages in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square
Hundreds of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square on Saturday night, hoping it would be the final vigil for the hostages taken to Gaza two years ago.
The rally featured massive posters of the 48 hostages expected to be returned, including 20 alive, under the terms of a ceasefire struck on Friday.
- Demonstrators carried signs thanking U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in pressing for the deal.
- Hostage families expressed excitement and grief, preparing to reunite with their loved ones and receive the remains of others.
This is the most powerful sight,” said Trump’s Middle East envoy, Jared Kushner, to the crowd.
American Jews, including Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Ivanka Trump, were key figures in the rally, having played a role in pushing negotiations between Israel and Hamas forward. Witkoff was visibly emotional during the event.
Author's summary: Israelis rally for hostages in Tel Aviv.