Families of hostages held in Gaza have staged a massive rally in Tel Aviv, Israel, as they await the return of their loved ones following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff took part.
The hostages’ families and their supporters have been meeting in Israel’s largest commercial city every Saturday night. This was their first gathering since the ceasefire went into effect.
So many people showed up that the venue overflowed. US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and daughter Ivanka also attended.
Witkoff praised Trump for the achievement, saying: “I dreamed of this night. It’s been a long journey.” The crowd responded with huge cheers.
Participants chanted slogans and held up photos of the hostages and placards thanking Trump.
A man in his 30s, who has been taking part in the gathering almost every week, said he is cautiously optimistic. He added he will not believe anything until he sees all the hostages come back.
A woman in her 50s said people have spent so many Saturday nights here, crying, yelling and hoping for this moment. She added, smiling, that the US president really changed the game.