
Israelis Praise Trump at Massive Rally Ahead of Expected Hamas Hostage Release

A Nation United in Hope and Gratitude
The historic gathering in Tel Aviv brought together Israelis from across the country, united in their hope for the return of loved ones held captive for nearly two years. The atmosphere was electric with emotion as families of hostages, survivors of the October 7 attack, and supporters gathered to witness what many hope will be the beginning of healing.
“Thank You, Trump!” Echoes Through Tel Aviv
Many in the crowd yelled “Thank You, Trump!” as US special envoy Steve Witkoff addressed the massive gathering. Crowds unfurled banners praising Trump, with some calling for him to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in brokering the historic ceasefire agreement.
Trump is expected to visit Israel on Monday before heading to Egypt for a crucial summit. His daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner also addressed the Tel Aviv rally on Saturday, demonstrating the administration’s deep commitment to the peace process.
Netanyahu Booed as Tensions Surface
In a striking contrast, the crowd booed when Witkoff mentioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, revealing deep frustrations among Israelis over the government’s handling of the crisis.
Shulamit and David Ginat, who attended the rally, expressed their anger at Netanyahu: “He wants to continue the war only because he wants to stay prime minister,” David said, voicing a sentiment shared by many in the crowd who blame the prime minister for the failure to prevent the October 7 attack and bring the hostages home sooner.
Personal Stories of Loss and Hope
The Hostage Crisis: Key Numbers
Deadline: Monday, 12:00 local time (09:00 GMT)
Hamas Confirms Monday Release
Under the ceasefire and hostage release deal announced on Thursday, Hamas was given 72 hours – until 12:00 local time (09:00 GMT) on Monday – to release all 48 hostages it is still holding after two years of war.
A top Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, told AFP news agency that “according to the signed agreement, the prisoner exchange is set to begin on Monday morning as agreed, and there are no new developments on this matter.”
He said Hamas militants on the ground had not yet notified the movement’s leadership about the logistics of the handover.
Egypt Summit: World Leaders Gather Monday
Egypt confirmed it would host a crucial summit on Monday to finalize an agreement aimed at ending the war. More than 20 leaders including President Trump would attend the summit in Sharm El-Sheikh.
- President Donald Trump (United States)
- President Emmanuel Macron (France)
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (United Kingdom)
- Multiple Middle Eastern leaders
Trump is expected to visit Israel on Monday before heading to the Egypt summit.
Tragedy Strikes Qatar’s Delegation
Three members of Qatar’s top administrative body – the Amiri Diwan – died in a car crash near Sharm El-Sheikh, the Qatari embassy in Egypt said on Sunday. Qatar has been mediating in the Gaza crisis, playing a crucial role in bringing the parties to an agreement.
Crisis Timeline
Hamas attack on southern Israel kills 1,200 people; 251 hostages taken
Israel launches military offensive; more than 67,000 Palestinians killed according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry
Ceasefire and hostage release deal announced; 72-hour deadline given to Hamas
Hundreds of thousands rally in Tel Aviv; Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner address crowd
Expected hostage release deadline; Trump to visit Israel then attend Egypt summit
Situation in Gaza
In Gaza, Palestinian officials said about 500,000 people had returned to northern Gaza – which lies in ruins – in the past two days, following the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Hamas has called up thousands of fighters to reassert control over areas of Gaza recently vacated by Israeli troops, according to local sources. The mobilization had been widely anticipated amid growing uncertainty about who will govern Gaza once the war ends and fears of internal violence.
Humanitarian Crisis Continues
Despite the ceasefire agreement, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire:
- 🚨 500,000 people – a quarter of Gaza’s population – suffering from famine according to UN-backed reports
- 🚚 World Food Programme reports only 2-3 lorries entering Gaza daily
- 📦 Under ceasefire terms, aid is due to be scaled up significantly
- 🏥 WFP intends to restore regular food distribution through 145 points across Gaza
Israel has repeatedly denied that starvation is taking place in Gaza. Netanyahu has said that where there is hunger, it is the fault of aid agencies and Hamas.
A Nation Awaits
As Monday’s deadline approaches, Israel holds its breath. The massive rally in Tel Aviv demonstrated both the deep gratitude Israelis feel toward President Trump for his role in negotiating the deal, and their complex feelings toward their own leadership.
The coming days will be crucial not only for the hostages and their families, but for the entire region as world leaders gather in Egypt to chart a path toward lasting peace and stability.
For families like Aviv Havron’s and the Ginats, Monday cannot come soon enough. After nearly two years of anguish, the possibility of reunion offers a glimmer of hope – and a chance, finally, to begin healing.
About The Author
Discover more from Faith & Freedom News - FFN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.