Israelis Praise Trump Rally Ahead of Expected Hostage Release
Israelis praise Trump rally became one of the most trending phrases over the weekend as hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv to show support and hope before the long-awaited hostage release from Gaza. The emotional event, filled with chants, banners, and tears, unfolded just days before Hamas is expected to release 48 remaining hostages as part of a major ceasefire and prisoner-exchange agreement.
The enormous crowd waved flags and signs thanking former U.S. President Donald Trump for his alleged role in helping broker the deal. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff took the stage, declaring that “the hostages are coming home”, a message that electrified the massive audience.
The Power of Hope: Israelis Praise Trump Rally in Tel Aviv
During the Israelis praise Trump rally, Witkoff publicly thanked Trump for “making peace possible” through diplomatic pressure and direct engagement with Middle Eastern leaders. The rally took place just as reports confirmed the upcoming summit in Egypt to finalize an end-of-war agreement.
Egyptian authorities announced that more than 20 world leaders, including Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, would meet in Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday to solidify a ceasefire plan.
Meanwhile, Trump is expected to make a symbolic visit to Israel before joining the Egyptian summit, underscoring his renewed global presence in post-war peace talks.
A City of Emotion: Families of Hostages Speak Out
At the Israelis praise Trump rally, the most emotional moments came when relatives of hostages took the microphone.
Aviv Havron, who lost several family members during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, told the BBC, “It’s so important for the community that they come back. Without this, we can’t restart our lives.”
Havron’s words resonated deeply with the crowd. His older sister, niece, and grandchildren are among those still missing in Gaza.
Another attendee, Shulamit Ginat, said, “They’re our brothers and sisters. We want to stop the war, stop the pain, and heal again.”
Tensions Rise: Cheers for Trump, Boos for Netanyahu
Despite the unity in calling for peace, the Israelis praise Trump rally revealed political divisions. While Trump’s name drew roaring cheers, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced loud boos from sections of the crowd.
“He wants to continue the war only to stay in power,” said attendee David Ginat, expressing frustration over Netanyahu’s handling of both the October 7 attack and the prolonged conflict that followed.
A large banner reading “Nobel for Trump” hung over the sea of people, showing how much of the public credited the former U.S. leader for progress on the hostage issue.
The Hostage and Ceasefire Deal: What We Know
Under the ceasefire agreement announced last Thursday, Hamas has 72 hours, until 12:00 local time (09:00 GMT) Monday, to release all 48 hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Senior Hamas figure Osama Hamdan told AFP that “the prisoner exchange is set to begin Monday morning as agreed.” However, logistics of the handover remain uncertain, with ground operatives yet to inform leadership of specific details.
Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. have all played mediation roles in finalizing the complex exchange, with Qatar confirming that three members of its top administrative body died in a car crash near Sharm El-Sheikh while preparing for the summit.
Humanitarian Crisis: Gaza in Ruins Amid Ceasefire Talks
As celebrations filled Tel Aviv, scenes in Gaza remained bleak. Local sources said 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned north in recent days, only to find their homes destroyed.
“There is no house anymore. Everything is gone,” lawyer Mosa Aldous said from Gaza City. Another resident, Raja Salmi, 52, told AFP, “I stood before what was once my home and cried. All those memories are now just dust.”
The Israelis praise Trump rally stood in stark contrast to these realities, with the joy of potential peace shadowed by humanitarian devastation.
Aid Still Struggling to Enter Gaza
Under the terms of the ceasefire, humanitarian aid to Gaza was supposed to increase significantly. However, the World Food Programme (WFP) reported that “a surge of aid lorries has not yet entered Gaza,” with only two to three trucks making it in daily.
The Israeli military coordination office (COGAT) stated that 500 trucks had entered Thursday, though only 300 were distributed inside Gaza by the UN and partner agencies.
A UN-backed report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) estimated that half a million Gazans, one-fourth of the population, are suffering from famine conditions.
Israel denies that starvation is occurring, blaming Hamas and international aid organizations for mismanagement.
The Political and Emotional Weight of the Rally
The Israelis praise Trump rally wasn’t just a political statement; it was an emotional release for a nation weary of war. After nearly two years of conflict, the potential for peace, and the return of the last hostages, feels like the beginning of healing.
Even so, many worry about what comes next. Hamas has already mobilized fighters in northern Gaza to maintain control of newly vacated areas, raising fears of internal clashes and instability.
Global Eyes on Egypt Summit
All attention now turns to the Egypt summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, where leaders from over 20 nations are expected to sign an agreement ending the war.
According to Egyptian officials, the summit could finalize frameworks for long-term reconstruction in Gaza and international oversight of aid distribution.
If successful, it could mark one of the most significant breakthroughs since the conflict began, and a defining moment for Trump’s post-presidency legacy.
Historical Context: From War to Diplomacy
The ongoing conflict has claimed more than 67,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and killed 1,200 Israelis in Hamas’s initial 2023 assault.
Trump’s reemergence as a global mediator marks a significant turn. Once criticized for controversial Middle East policies, his renewed involvement has shifted perceptions among both Israelis and international observers.
The Israelis praise Trump rally might signal a broader shift, one where hope replaces hostility, at least temporarily.
Conclusion
The Israelis praise Trump rally reflects both the yearning for peace and the deep scars left by years of violence. As Israel awaits the release of its hostages and Gaza struggles to rebuild, the region stands at a crossroads between war and reconciliation.
Whether this peace effort holds depends on delicate diplomacy, humanitarian action, and political courage. But for one night in Tel Aviv, amid cheers, tears, and prayer, hope felt real again.
