Full Breakdown
Tens of Thousands Rally for Ceasefire as Trump’s Gaza Plan Gains Momentum
10/5/2025, 1:37:35 PM
Mass Mobilization in Tel Aviv
On Saturday night, tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square to advocate for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, coinciding with a potential breakthrough in negotiations led by U.S. President Donald Trump. The rally was organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which urged the Israeli public to unite in demanding the return of their loved ones. “This is the hour when all of Israel must stand together,” the forum stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as the hostages approach two years in captivity since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
Key Developments in Negotiations
The protests followed Trump's recent call for Israel to halt its military operations in Gaza, which he believes is crucial for securing the hostages' release. Following Trump's directive, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to cease offensive actions and dispatched a negotiation team to Cairo to finalize the details of a potential deal. Netanyahu expressed optimism about the imminent return of hostages, stating, “We are on the brink of a very big achievement.”
Voices from the Protests
Among the speakers at the rally was Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, who articulated the emotional toll of the ongoing conflict. “For you, they may just be hostages—but for me, he is my child, my life,” she said, urging Netanyahu to prioritize the hostages' return. Former hostages Gadi Mozes and Omer Shem Tov also shared their experiences, reinforcing the need for public pressure to ensure the government fulfills its commitments.
Conversely, dissenting voices emerged from anti-government protesters nearby, who criticized the government for not acting sooner on the hostage deal. Rula Daoud, co-chair of the Israeli-Palestinian socialist group Standing Together, highlighted the humanitarian aspect of the conflict, stating, “The struggle for humanitarian aid to Gaza is not just the struggle of Arab citizens.”
Official Statements and Responses
Trump's peace plan, which includes a 20-point framework for ending the conflict, has garnered international support. World leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, praised Hamas's willingness to negotiate under Trump's proposal. However, Hamas's response did not address disarmament, a key demand from the U.S. and Israel.
Netanyahu's office confirmed that Israel is prepared for the immediate implementation of the first stage of Trump's plan, which involves the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The Israeli government has faced internal pressure from far-right coalition members who oppose any ceasefire that does not include the dismantling of Hamas.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While many rally participants expressed hope for a resolution, there remains skepticism regarding the feasibility of Trump's plan. Some critics argue that Hamas's agreement to release hostages is contingent upon undefined "field conditions," leaving room for potential complications in negotiations. Additionally, the Israeli government has not fully disclosed the terms of the proposed prisoner exchanges, leading to uncertainty among families of the hostages.
What's Next
Negotiations are set to continue in Cairo, with both sides aiming to finalize the details of the hostage release and a potential ceasefire. As the situation evolves, the families of hostages and the broader Israeli public remain vigilant, demanding accountability and swift action from their government to bring their loved ones home.
