“Thank you Trump”, the families of the Israeli hostages cheer the US president and boo Netanyahu

Although the exact moment of the liberation is still unknown, the aerial view of the area shows heads crowding a place that was created precisely in honor of those who have to return home with a deadline: on Monday at 12:00 local time.

It is estimated that in the square there were around 400,000 people. Many of those present during those moments of joy mixed with uncertainty carried American flags that they waved while repeating: “Thank you Trump.”

A former hostage present in the crowd, Aviva Siege, assured CNN that she is happy today and that her heart “he is in a different place” after the peace agreement for Gaza. He also wanted to take the opportunity to talk about the president of the United States: “He works hard day and night and I want to thank him for that from the bottom of my heart.”

The woman she was held captive for 51 days and her husband, Keith, was held hostage for a year and four months. Both were released separately as part of the first agreements.

“It’s the first time I’m here. I know, I saw it on the news, but every time I shut up, I burst into tears,” said a 63-year-old woman. city ​​neighborin a testimony collected by CNN.

Her three children are reservists in the Israeli army and now she bursts into tears as she remembers that “she knows they are coming.” “We will cry like babies”she added, wrapped in the Israeli flag.

Another woman, who was there accompanied by her husband, admitted “not still be happy.” “But maybe I will be happy tomorrow when they are home,” she confessed.

The couple He had not returned to the square since October 7, 2023, date on which it was also renamed in honor of all the hostages who were kidnapped by Hamas during the brutal attack in which 1,195 people died. They assure that this absence was due to their intention to “leave space for the parents of those detained.” “But today I had to come.”

Uncertainty filled the heads of these and many others displaced to Tel Aviv. Despite this climate, there was one thing that was clear: every time the name of the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was mentioned in one of the speeches that followed, Boos flooded the square.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Yariv Levin, described this reaction as “great shame.” “It was a shameful display of terrible ingratitude toward Netanyahu, who has led the State of Israel through one of its most difficult periods and has achieved the tremendous achievements we have witnessed over the past two years,” he declared.

American representation

Steve Witkoff, US special envoy to Israel, and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, who has been mediating in indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, also traveled to that point.

While Witkoff has taken advantage of his intervention to thank Donald Trump his role in the deal, Kushner He has done so with Arab and Muslim leaders and with the Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu.

“I’ve dreamed of this night for a long time. This is the most powerful view. Hearts beat as one gathered here in Tel Aviv for peace, for unity and for the hope of this sacred place we call Hostage Square. “I just wish the president was here,” the special envoy proclaimed.

“This moment has been made possible by the tireless dedication of leaders who did not rest until the world could see what could be achieved. One of them is here with me, Jared Kushner.”he highlighted.

When Witkoff tried to talk about Netanyahu and his chief negotiator, Ron Dermerthose present raised their voices to not let him finish his sentences, until he was finally able to intervene again: “Guys, let me finish this reflection; believe me, you had a central role here.”

Ivanka Trump also went to Tel Aviv to accompany her husband. He took advantage of his intervention in the events to confirm that his father “will always be with them” and, furthermore, he dared to speak of “lasting peace.”