UPDATE: A wave of hope swept through Tel Aviv on Saturday evening as thousands gathered in Hostage Square, celebrating the potential ceasefire between Hamas and Israel following Hamas’s acceptance of President Trump’s ceasefire proposal.
Protesters, like Gili Coheb-Taguri, 49, held heart-shaped balloons and wore creative masks to express their desire for peace and the return of hostages taken by Hamas since October 7, 2023. “We want our life back,” she declared, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The rally marked the first significant event since the ceasefire proposal was announced on Friday, drawing participants from across Israel.
Trump’s 20-point plan includes the release of all 48 hostages held by Hamas and proposes a transition of Gaza’s governance to a neutral Palestinian committee overseen by a “Board of Peace” led by Trump. In return, Israel is expected to release 1,700 detainees from Gaza and take steps to demilitarize the region.
While the atmosphere was charged with optimism, concerns lingered about whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would effectively implement the deal. Many protesters, including Yossi Taguri, voiced skepticism about Netanyahu’s intentions, suggesting he might sabotage the agreement. “How many times have we been in this situation?” Taguri questioned, reflecting a deep-seated frustration among the crowd.
In his statement, Netanyahu expressed hope for a swift end to the hostage crisis, stating he aimed to announce their return “in the coming days.” He reiterated that his military strategy, which has reportedly resulted in over 67,000 casualties in Gaza, played a role in shifting Hamas’s stance. However, he faces criticism for prolonging the conflict and catering to extremist factions within his government.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned Hamas to act quickly to finalize the deal, threatening consequences for any delays. Despite this, Palestinian health authorities reported ongoing Israeli airstrikes, with at least 67 people killed since Saturday morning, casting doubt on the ceasefire’s viability.
The rally featured chants of “Bring them back!” led by former hostage Omer Shem Tov, resonating with the crowd’s collective plea for action. Participants included a diverse array of citizens, from social workers to educators, all united in their call for the return of loved ones and an end to hostilities.
As the crowd gathered, many expressed mixed feelings about Trump’s involvement in Israeli affairs. While some, like 35-year-old social worker Dor Jaliff, were not Trump supporters, they recognized the urgency of the hostages’ situation. “I wish our government would prioritize the hostages like Trump does,” he remarked.
The emotional weight was palpable as participants reflected on the 729 days since the war began, with Mindy Rabinowitz, 57, expressing the importance of being present at this pivotal moment. “Maybe it’s the last time we’ll be in that square,” he remarked, capturing the hope and fear intertwined in the ongoing crisis.
As negotiations progress, all eyes are on both Hamas and the Israeli government to see if peace will finally prevail. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days.