Among those addressing the crowd was Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who praised the president’s leadership.
“To President Donald J. Trump, a man who is a humanitarian through and through, with the indomitable spirit, who once again proved that bold leadership and moral clarity can reshape history and change the world,” Witkoff told the crowd. “We all owe a debt of gratitude to President Trump.”
The event, which drew hundreds of thousands of Israelis, also featured appearances by Ivanka Trump as well as her husband Jared Kushner, who played a role in the negotiations. Kushner, however, said he would wait to celebrate until all the hostages were safely returned. Of the 48 hostages, 20 are believed to still be alive.
“What I did come here tonight to say was that I could not be more proud to see the way that the State of Israel and its people have carried themselves through this traumatic, unthinkable, horrific experience,” Kushner said. “Instead of replicating the barbarism of the enemy, you chose to be exceptional. You chose to stand for the values that you stand for, and I could not be more proud to be a friend of Israel.”
Ivanka Trump told the crowd, “The president wanted me to share with you, as he has with so many of you personally, that he sees you, he hears you, he stands with you, always!”
President Trump, along with 20 other leaders, is expected to meet at a summit in Egypt regarding the war in Gaza on Monday. Hamas has until 12:00 local time on Monday to release all hostages, and Israel is expected to release its prisoners as well.
