UPDATE: Thousands of protesters gathered in Hostage Square, Tel Aviv, on Saturday night, celebrating a potential ceasefire with Hamas. The rally marked the first public demonstration following Hamas’s acceptance of a ceasefire proposal put forth by Donald Trump on October 13, 2023.
The atmosphere was charged with a mix of hope and urgency as demonstrators demanded the safe return of the 48 hostages still held by Hamas since the outbreak of conflict on October 7, 2023. Among the crowd was Gili Coheb-Taguri, a 49-year-old material scientist, who expressed her gratitude for Trump’s involvement. “We want our life back,” she declared, emphasizing the emotional toll the hostage situation has taken on families across Israel.
Participants chanted slogans like “Bring them back!” and responded to calls from speakers, including former hostages, who reiterated the need for immediate action. The rally, attended by many hopeful citizens, reflected a growing desire for resolution after years of turmoil.
The ceasefire proposal, which includes the release of all hostages in exchange for 1,700 Palestinian detainees, was framed within a broader plan that aims to hand over control of Gaza to a neutral Palestinian committee overseen by a “Board of Peace” led by Trump. In a video statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at a timeline for negotiations, asserting that he expected to announce the return of the hostages “in the coming days.”
Despite this optimism, concerns linger regarding Netanyahu’s commitment. Critics argue that he has previously sabotaged peace efforts and may not align with the public’s demand for a swift resolution. “How many times have we been in this situation?” questioned Yossi Taguri, Gili’s husband, echoing fears that Netanyahu might derail the deal once again.
As the rally progressed, the crowd remained energized by the possibility of change. Trump, in a message on Truth Social, urged Hamas to act swiftly, warning that delays would not be tolerated. While he acknowledged Israel’s temporary halt in bombing to facilitate the negotiations, reports indicate that Israeli forces continued attacks, resulting in over 67 fatalities since dawn on Saturday.
Immediate next steps in this evolving situation include critical negotiations to finalize the ceasefire terms. Netanyahu emphasized that following the hostage release, Hamas would be required to disarm, a demand the militant group has yet to directly address. “This will happen either through the diplomatic path by the Trump plan or through the military path — at our hands,” Netanyahu stated firmly.
As the night wore on, the mood at Hostage Square combined hope with palpable anxiety. Many attendees like Mindy Rabinowitz, who has attended protests regularly since the conflict began, felt compelled to join in light of the recent developments. “Maybe it’s the last time we’ll be in that square,” he reflected, indicating the profound uncertainty that still looms over the peace process.
With the world watching, the rally in Tel Aviv signifies a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for peace. As citizens call for their government to prioritize the return of hostages, the unfolding events promise to shape the region’s future.
