Tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday, rallying ahead of what is expected to be the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff assured the crowd that “the hostages are coming home,” praising Donald Trump for facilitating a Gaza ceasefire and hostage swap deal.
In Gaza, around 500,000 Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in recent days following Israel’s troop withdrawals, despite the territory remaining in ruins.
Meanwhile, Egypt announced it will host a summit on Monday with over 20 world leaders, including Trump, Macron, and Starmer, aiming to broker an end to the conflict. Trump plans to visit Israel before heading to Egypt, amid ongoing tensions.
The ceasefire agreement grants Hamas 72 hours to release 48 hostages, including 20 believed to be alive, held for over two years. Hamas officials confirmed the prisoner exchange was set to begin Monday morning, though logistical details remain unclear.
Families of victims, like Aviv Havron, expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing the importance of bringing loved ones home to begin healing.
The rally in Tel Aviv saw attendees unfurl banners praising Trump, though some booed Netanyahu for perceived failures in preventing the October 7 Hamas attack. Many also voiced anger over the ongoing war and delays in securing hostages’ release.
Meanwhile, Gaza faces escalating violence. Hamas has mobilized fighters as fears of internal clashes grow, while thousands of Palestinians displaced by the conflict continue to flee northward, many witnessing the destruction of their homes.
Aid access remains limited, with only a few trucks entering Gaza daily amid reports of famine affecting a quarter of the population.
