Thousands rally in Tel Aviv in support of Trump’s Gaza peace plan

Thousands of Israelis took part in a mass rally in Tel Aviv in support of the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking before the crowd were Trump’s special envoy Stephen Witkoff, the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and his wife Ivanka Trump — the American leader’s daughter, The Times of Israel writes.

Their speeches were broadcast live by Israel’s major television channels.

The demonstrators warmly welcomed the American guests and thanked them for their mediation in resolving the crisis, as a result of which Israeli hostages held for two years by Palestinian militants in Gaza are expected to be released soon. In his address, Witkoff expressed hope for the speedy return of all hostages under the agreed terms and highlighted Trump’s role in reaching the agreement.

“We all owe thanks to President Trump. Even in the darkest times, he refused to accept that the Middle East was doomed. He united nations that had long been divided by generations of conflict and showed us that shared peace is better than shared pain,” the U.S. envoy said.

He also praised the contribution of Arab and Muslim countries to the peace process, particularly Türkiye and Qatar. His speech was repeatedly interrupted by chants of gratitude such as “Thank you, Trump!” and “Thank you, Witkoff!” However, when Witkoff mentioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a positive light, the crowd reacted with disapproval.

Kushner, who spoke after Witkoff, called on the audience to “build bridges of understanding” among peoples and make the Middle East a peaceful place. At the same time, he urged patience until all hostages are freed before holding celebrations. “We will not celebrate today; we will celebrate on Monday, when the first phase [of the Gaza peace plan] is completed,” Kushner said.

Ivanka Trump, in turn, expressed hope that a “new chapter” is opening for the Middle East — a time for “healing” and for establishing “long-term and lasting peace.”

By Khagan Isayev