Tens of thousands of Israelis poured into Tel Aviv’s streets Saturday night, demanding that the city’s leaders push for a Gaza deal that frees all hostages. The rally marked the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack, which left 1,200 people dead and many still held in Gaza.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum—representing most Israeli families with loved ones still captive—issued a statement that the country stands at a “decisive moment” for a settlement. “All of Israel must unite and loudly demand that every effort be made to bring our brothers and sisters home,” the forum wrote.
Trump’s latest words add urgency to the push for a ceasefire. On Friday, the former president told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt further bombing in Gaza after Hamas agreed to key parts of the U.S. proposal. The deal would release 48 hostages, 20 of whom survive. The Biden‑admin’s plan is the first major breakthrough after months of stalemate.
“We slept under cautious optimism last night,” tweeted Ruby Chen, father of the 19‑year‑old American captive Itay Chen who was killed in the October raid. “Now it is up to Prime Minister Netanyahu to show the same conviction and give the negotiating team the mandate to close the deal.”
Viki Cohen, mother of 21‑year‑old Nimrod Cohen, who remains a hostage in Gaza, added, “I feel hope and excitement, but I fear the negotiations could still collapse.”
With a possible release of hostages looming, Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital prepared its staff to care for returned captives. “The teams responsible for treating the returned are being briefed,” the hospital said, adding that it stands with the families and hopes for an immediate return.
As Israel and Gaza move toward a potential ceasefire, the nation’s protestors and families press leaders for swift action. The outcome of this debate could reshape the region’s future and bring relief to thousands of families yearning for home.
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