Trump Lauded at Tel Aviv Rally as Hostages Set to Be Released
In a groundbreaking turn of events, hundreds of thousands of Israelis gathered at Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, expressing their gratitude towards US President Donald Trump for his significant role in brokering a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The rally, held on Saturday, was led by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, together with Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, who thanked the crowd for their strength and conviction
. However, the event was marked by contrasting reactions towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Historic Ceasefire Deal
The ceasefire deal marked a pivotal moment in the Israel-Hamas conflict that has been raging since October 7, 2023. The agreement, expected to secure the release of all Israeli hostages held in the Gaza enclave, was signed off by both parties in Egypt earlier this week with the assistance of the US envoys. President Trump is also planning a whirlwind trip to Israel and Egypt, expressing his optimism about the potential peace deal.
Mixed Reactions at Rally
The rally was a momentous event, with Witkoff and the Trump family being met with applause and shouts of Thank you, Trump
from the crowd, estimated to be around 400,000. However, Netanyahu faced a different reaction, with his name being met with boos during Witkoff's speech. Despite this, Witkoff praised Netanyahu at the rally, a move that elicited criticism from Israeli politician Ben Gvir.
Hostages' Release
President Trump announced that the hostages held by Hamas are expected to be released on Monday or Tuesday. This follows the historic peace deal that he helped broker, marking a significant step towards the end of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The deal also includes the withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed-upon line and the release of Palestinian life-sentence prisoners and Gazan detainees.
International Implications
The ceasefire agreement and the impending release of the Israeli hostages have garnered international attention, with some speculating that it could potentially earn Trump a Nobel Peace Prize. The Nobel Institute has assured that there will be a laureate this year, with the last meeting of the committee taking place on Monday. The deal is seen as a significant achievement, marking a major step towards peace in the Middle East.
Conclusion
While the crowd at the Tel Aviv rally was overwhelmingly appreciative of Trump's efforts, the contrasting reactions towards Netanyahu highlighted the ongoing political divisions within Israel. However, as the country looks forward to the release of the hostages and the potential for lasting peace, many are hopeful that this marks a turning point in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The international community also watches closely, as the implications of this historic deal unfold.