Celebrations Erupt in Tel Aviv Over Trump’s Peace Deal
Tel Aviv: After enduring two years of hardship, joy filled Hostage Square on Thursday as Israelis rejoiced following President Donald Trump’s announcement regarding the initial phase of a peace agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
“I’m just really happy, overwhelmed even. It’s amazing to feel such positivity globally,” expressed Daniel Lifshitz from Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square.
Tragically, Lifshitz lost his grandfather, Oded, who was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, and later died while being held captive by Hamas. His remains returned to Israel for burial in February 2025.
Trump’s Deal Sets a 72-Hour Countdown for Hostage Release
“When you’re held hostage by the loss of a loved one, it feels like your soul can’t find rest. I mean, it just doesn’t feel right—it’s hard to mourn when you can’t even be in a place to do that,” Lifshitz noted.
“Some hostages can’t even stand anymore, and it’s concerning that some might never be found. We’ll stay here until everyone is back, but right now, today feels like a holiday,” he added, reflecting both hope and ongoing pain.
On Wednesday, President Trump revealed the details of the deal, stating, “This means all hostages will soon be freed, and Israel will withdraw its forces to the agreed line as a first step toward a strong, durable, and lasting peace.”
Wearing face masks depicting President Trump and waving American flags, a crowd gathered in the square. They captured happy moments together, shouted phrases like “The Israeli people are alive,” and held on to hope as the nation braced for the return of hostages taken by Hamas 733 days ago.
Among the thousands present was Galit Even Chen, who emotionally shared, “I need to hold onto this happiness for myself. It’s surreal to actually witness this moment.”
“But we must remember, it’s not truly over until the last hostage is back. We’re still grappling with trauma; it’s an ongoing struggle. Today feels somewhat of a catharsis—a beginning of something better,” she said, highlighting the mix of emotions.
Trump Claims Global Unity in Achieving Peace
On the night before the announcement, the Hostage and Missing Families Forum expressed immense gratitude towards Trump and his team for their efforts in achieving what they termed a “historic breakthrough.”
“Hamas still retains 48 hostages. Our moral duty is to get everyone home, alive or dead. Their return is crucial for the healing of Israeli society as a whole. We will continue advocating until the very last person is back,” their statement emphasized.
Harosh Menashe, uncle of Elkanah Borbot—one of the hostages taken during the Supernova festival—said that Trump’s announcement provided a “relief.” While visiting a tent at Kibbutz Nahal Oz set up to commemorate those lost, he stated, “We feel a bit lighter, yet there’s still weight on our hearts. We want to move past this, quickly if possible. We’re just waiting to see how it unfolds.”
The Israeli military is gearing up to receive 20 living hostages at a base near the Gaza border, ensuring they have medical care and a chance to recuperate before reuniting with families. The released individuals will then be transported to hospitals across Israel.
Earlier in the week, families of the hostages reached out to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, urging them to award Trump the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his contributions in making the seemingly impossible happen.
“No leader or organization has brought as much to global peace as President Trump has over the last year,” they claimed. “While others made lofty promises, he turned words into actions that saved countless lives.”
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump expressed their appreciation in a letter sent on Tuesday, commemorating the second anniversary of the October 7 attack orchestrated by Hamas.
“It’s heart-wrenching that these individuals endured two years without knowledge of their loved ones’ fates, experiencing unimaginable pain while continuing to share their stories,” Trump shared in the letter.
