Cheers for Trump, whistles for Netanyahu in Tel Aviv

Middle East peace plan

Cheers for Trump, whistles for Netanyahu in Tel Aviv

The remaining hostages are expected to be released shortly. At a major rally in Tel Aviv with prominent speakers, relatives and friends show clear feelings.

Shortly before the expected release of the last Gaza hostages, US special envoy Steve Witkoff highlighted the crucial role of US President Donald Trump. “We all owe President Trump our deepest gratitude,” Witkoff said to relatives and friends of those abducted as well as numerous participants at a large rally in Tel Aviv. As soon as Trump’s name was mentioned, Witkoff was interrupted by prolonged applause and chants of “Thank you Trump.” A spokesman for family members said there were around 400,000 people in the square.

At the same time, Witkoff, who was accompanied by Trump’s daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, praised the strength and patience of the relatives and the Israeli people. “Thank you for showing that the future of this region can be built not on the rubble of old hatred, but on the promise of shared hope,” Wittkoff said. “I have dreamed of this evening for a long time,” said the special envoy.

However, when Witkoff also highlighted the role of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the cheering turned into boos and whistles, which almost threw Witkoff off his stride. “Guys, let me finish my thoughts,” he asked. Netanyahu gave everything for this country, he emphasized. However, many relatives and friends of the hostages accuse Netanyahu of not having done enough to release those abducted.

Ivanka Trump and Kushner also spoke briefly to the crowd and, in addition to the US President, also acknowledged Witkoff’s role in the success of the negotiations. “It was an honor to work with such a special person,” said Kushner.

Israel and Hamas welcomed Trump’s peace plan. Its first part envisages the release of all 47 hostages still in the Gaza Strip, which could begin on Sunday. Israel had previously withdrawn from parts of the Gaza Strip and a ceasefire has been in effect since Friday afternoon.

The war was triggered by the Hamas-led massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 were kidnapped in the coastal strip. Israel then took up the fight against Hamas. More than 67,000 Palestinians were killed and most of the coastal strip was reduced to rubble.