US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff gave an emotional address to more than 100,000 gathered at Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square on Saturday evening.
“I dreamed of this night. It’s been a long journey,” he said as he marveled at the size of the crowd in attendance.
After remarking how he wished Trump had been able to attend, the crowd began chanting, “Thank you, Trump.”
“When courage meets conviction, miracles can happen,” Witkoff told the audience.
“You have carried the weight of hope on your shoulders for the entire world. You’ve prayed, you’ve persevered. And you’ve shown the world that peace is not weakness. It is the highest form of strength. Through heartbreak and fear, you have never let go of the faith.”
Masses boo as Witkoff mentions Netanyahu in Tel Aviv
Although members of the crowd booed loudly after Witkoff mentioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the American envoy stated that the prime minister was instrumental in bringing the deal to fruition.
Witkoff also thanked the other regional nations that helped make the deal possible.
“Your courage has moved the world,” he said to the hostages’ families, adding to the hostages themselves, “You’re coming home.”
Witkoff’s remarks come after he, CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper, and Jared Kushner confirmed that Israeli forces in Gaza had withdrawn to the lines agreed upon in the Trump ceasefire plan.
He was followed by Kushner, who talked about his heartfelt connection to the cause of bringing home the hostages and mentioned that the heroic sacrifices of so many Israeli soldiers played a vital part in the overall effort.
Ivanka Trump, adviser to and daughter of President Trump, also spoke at the rally, telling the crowd, “We honor the strength of every family, waiting, praying, and believing… I am in awe of their strength and conviction… The president wanted me to share that he sees you, he hears you, and stands with you, always.”
She described the hostages’ awaited return as “a triumph of faith, courage, and of a shared humanity,” and concluded, “We pray to ensure that this coming week is one of healing for you all. One of healing as we begin and embark on the next chapter, which, God willing, will be a lasting and enduring peace. God bless you all for standing in solidarity together through this dark chapter.”