The release of the Israeli hostages is said to be imminent. At a large rally in Tel Aviv with prominent speakers, relatives and friends expressed their clear feelings – and threw the speakers for a loop.
In a few days, the last Israeli hostages are to be released by Hamas terrorists – now US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has once again emphasized the decisive role of US President Donald Trump."We all owe President Trump a deep debt of gratitude," Witkoff said to relatives and friends of the abducted people at a mass rally in Tel Aviv.
As soon as Trump's name was mentioned, Witkoff was interrupted by sustained applause and shouts of"Thank you Trump!" A spokesperson for the family 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 hatreds, but on the promise of shared hope," said Witkoff."I have long dreamed of this evening," said the special envoy.
Boos and whistling at Netanyahu's name
When Witkoff also highlighted the role of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the cheers turned into boos and hisses, which threw Witkoff off track."Guys, let me finish my thoughts," he pleaded. Netanyahu had given everything for his country, he emphasized. Many relatives and friends of the hostages, however, accuse Netanyahu of not doing enough to secure the release of the abducted people.
Ivanka Trump and Kushner also spoke briefly to the crowd, acknowledging Witkoff's role in the success of the negotiations alongside the US President."It was an honor to work with such a special person," Kushner said.
Trump expects release on Monday
US President Trump says he expects the Israeli hostages to be released from Hamas captivity on Monday. He told reporters at the White House this. On Friday, Trump said the hostages should be released on Monday or Tuesday and that he would likely be in Israel then.
The US President stated that he believes the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will hold."They're all tired of fighting," he said. The ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will lead to a more comprehensive peace in the Middle East, he added. There are still a few small flashpoints, but they are"very small."
Israel's army withdraws
Hamas sources said the terrorist organization is expected to hand over all living and, if possible, the remains of the dead hostages in stages between Sunday and Monday morning at 6:00 a.m. (5:00 a.m. CEST), according to the news agency dpa.
In exchange for the hostages, Israel is to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners – including approximately 250 prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment. This agreement was preceded by indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Egypt. According to the peace plan, the Israeli armed forces have now withdrawn to an agreed-upon position. The troops still occupy about half of the Gaza Strip.
A ceasefire came into effect in the Gaza Strip on Friday afternoon after Israel and Hamas agreed to the first part of the US peace plan.
