At Tel Aviv rally after end of Iran war, hostage families call for comprehensive deal to release all hostages, end Gaza War

Saturday night saw the first hostage rally in three weeks, following the end of the Israel-Iran war, with thousands of people gathering to call for a comprehensive deal to bring about the return of the remaining hostages and an end to the Gaza War. 

The hostage rally came just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he believes a hostage deal “is close.” 

“We think within the next week we’re going to get a ceasefire,” Trump told the reporters. 

Trump also posted a message on Truth Social early Saturday morning, in which he condemned the legal proceedings against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing that they will “interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations.” 

According to Trump’s post, Netanyahu is “right now in the process of negotiating a Deal with Hamas, which will include getting the Hostages back.” 

As in previous rallies, the crowds contained a mix of those calling for a hostage deal and those protesting against the Netanyahu coalition government. 

Former hostage Liri Albag, one of the female observers kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023, called on both Netanyahu and Trump to make a “brave decision to end the war in Gaza and bring the hostages home.” 

“Over the past two weeks, all the headlines were about Iran. My brothers and sisters were pushed aside,” Albag said, referring to Operation Rising Lion. 

“After everything we’ve achieved - after striking Iran and its proxies – only the hostages remain,” Albag stated. “This is the moment. The people demand their return.” 

“You made a brave decision on Iran,” Albag said. “Now make a brave decision to end the war in Gaza and bring the hostages home.” 

Sharon Cunio, the wife of hostage David Cunio, who was also captured along with her girls and released in the first hostage-ceasefire deal in November 2023, spoke of the agony of waiting for a deal to bring the hostages back. 

“Every night, the girls ask me the same question again and again: ‘Mom, when is Daddy coming home?’ And I have no answers,” she said. “And I ask you – does anyone here have an answer for me? For my daughters? How is it possible that nearly two years have passed and David, the love of my life, the father of my children – how is he still there?” 

“I’m not willing to let David become a memory,” she stated. Calling to the crowds, she continued, “I need you with me, with us. I need my voice to become your voice. Fight with me. Don’t let this go on another day, another week, another month.” 

Several of the hostages families also rejected the proposal by special envoy Steve Witkoff, which would see Hamas release half of the living and half of the deceased hostages at the beginning of a 60-day ceasefire, with the remainder being released in stages throughout the ceasefire, dependent on negotiations for the end of the conflict. 

Itzik Horn, the father of Eitan, who remains in captivity, and Yair, who was released in a previous deal, explained, “According to the Witkoff framework, half the hostages stay behind.” 

An Israeli official told Walla news that despite Trump’s remarks, there has been no substantial progress in the hostage-ceasefire negotiations. 

“There has been some willingness on both sides to show flexibility on certain formulations, but not in a way that alters their positions on the core issues,” the official said. 

According to the Walla report, Israeli officials do not share the optimism expressed by special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in recent days, claiming that the gaps between the sides have narrowed. 

Early Sunday morning, Trump posted another message on Truth Social in all capital letters, saying, “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!! DJT.” 

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who has been leading the hostage negotiating team, is expected to meet with Witkoff later this week to discuss progress in the talks.