In a significant display of public sentiment, a massive rally took place in Tel Aviv, drawing hundreds of thousands of people. The event, held amidst escalating tensions and ahead of an anticipated hostage release by Hamas, saw strong support for former US President Donald Trump. US special envoy Steve Witkoff addressed the crowd, expressing confidence in the return of hostages and attributing the progress to Trump’s diplomatic efforts. “The hostages are coming home,” Witkoff declared, highlighting the potential impact of the agreement brokered to end the ongoing conflict.
Simultaneously, in Gaza, reports indicate a substantial return of displaced Palestinians to the northern parts of the territory. An estimated 500,000 individuals have made their way back in recent days, only to find cities reduced to ruins following the withdrawal of Israeli forces. This movement underscores the immense humanitarian crisis and the long road to recovery for the region.
Further diplomatic efforts are underway, with Egypt set to host an international summit aimed at finalizing an agreement to end the war. More than 20 global leaders, including Donald Trump, are expected to attend the Sharm El-Sheikh summit. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have confirmed their attendance, signaling a unified international push for peace.
Trump is scheduled to visit Israel before heading to Egypt, accompanied by his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, who also spoke at the Tel Aviv rally. The current ceasefire and hostage release deal, announced earlier in the week, gives Hamas a 72-hour window, ending Monday, to release 48 hostages, with hopes that many are still alive.
Personal accounts from the rally highlight the deep emotional toll of the conflict. Aviv Havron, who lost family members and had others taken hostage, shared his hope for the return of those held captive. “It’s so important for the community… that they come back. Without this, we can’t restart our lives,” he stated, detailing the personal losses his family has endured.
The sentiment at the rally was mixed, with widespread applause for Trump but audible boos when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was mentioned. Attendees like Shulamit and David Ginat expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s leadership, attributing the prolonged conflict and the delayed return of hostages to political motivations. “He wants to continue the war only because he wants to stay prime minister,” David Ginat remarked.
In Gaza, there are reports of Hamas mobilizing fighters to re-establish control in areas recently vacated by Israeli troops. This move comes amid growing uncertainty about the post-war governance of Gaza and concerns about internal security. Clashes between Hamas and local clans have also been reported.
Palestinians returning to Gaza City are facing dire conditions, with many finding their homes destroyed. Lawyer Mosa Aldous described the devastating scene, stating, “There is no house anymore. Everything is gone.” The World Food Programme (WFP) has reported a slow influx of aid, falling short of the increased capacity needed for distribution.