Under a cool Saturday night sky in Tel Aviv, thousands gathered in what’s become known as “Hostages Square”—not with rage, but with raw, trembling hope. After nearly two years of war, grief, and broken promises, many Israelis believe a deal to bring home the remaining hostages may finally be within reach, thanks to President Donald Trump’s latest diplomatic push.
“We’re Hopeful—but Scared”
“We are hopeful,” said Dalia Cosnir-Horn, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza. “But also dead scared that the deal will collapse.” Her fear echoes across a nation that’s been burned before—by failed ceasefires, stalled negotiations, and the haunting silence from tunnels beneath Gaza.
The protest, one of the largest in months, drew families of hostages, veterans, students, and everyday citizens waving Israeli and yellow solidarity flags. Many wore T-shirts printed with the faces of the 48 still missing—25 of whom are believed to be dead.
Why Now?
Hope surged after Hamas signaled conditional acceptance of Trump’s ceasefire framework on Friday, agreeing in principle to release all remaining hostages. Trump responded swiftly: “I will not tolerate delay,” he posted on Truth Social—a message that reverberated through Tel Aviv’s streets.
“Thank you, President Trump,” declared actor Lior Ashkenazi, the rally’s opening speaker. He urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “not to stand in Trump’s way” of ending the war—a rare public plea that drew thunderous applause.
The Emotional Tightrope
For many, this moment feels different—but fragile.
- Optimism: Trump’s direct involvement and Hamas’s apparent openness have created rare momentum.
- Anxiety: Past deals collapsed under political pressure, especially from Netanyahu’s far-right coalition.
- Grief: At least 41 hostages have died in captivity—some executed, others killed by Israeli airstrikes.
- Moral reckoning: Some protesters, like Dalia, expressed sorrow for Gaza’s civilians: “If Gazans see a future, maybe we all do.”
What’s Still Blocking Peace?
Despite the optimism, major hurdles remain:
- Will Hamas agree to disarm?
- Who will govern postwar Gaza?
- Will Netanyahu risk alienating his coalition to secure a deal?
Indirect talks are set to begin Monday in Cairo. But as one protester put it: “Miracles don’t happen in politics—unless we force them.”
