American presence was felt tonight at Hostages Square in Israel, during what may be the final evening for families awaiting the return of their loved ones. Among those present were US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Ivanka Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner. Witkoff, addressing the crowd with visible emotion, said he had “dreamed of this night” and that “it has been a long journey,” with the gathered crowd applauding and chanting “thank you Trump, thank you Witkoff.” He stated that he wished President Trump could be present, “because he would love this,” while praising the courage and resilience of the Israeli people who, he said, “inspired the world.”
However, his next reference to Netanyahu was met with disapproval from the crowds. “Let me finish my thought,” he said, stating that Netanyahu played “a very important role here.” According to the BBC, he concluded by saying that “We all owe deep gratitude to President Trump” while paying tribute to the hostages. “You’re coming home.” Witkoff then handed the microphone to Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who said he “couldn’t feel more proud to be a friend of Israel,” while thanking the “incredible soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces.”
Kushner also referenced the intense behind-the-scenes discussions that led to the ceasefire agreement. “I notice that Witkoff didn’t have four-letter words in his speech, because I think he used them all in the negotiation,” Kushner said.
Ivanka Trump then spoke, saying that each hostage’s return is a “triumph of faith, courage and humanity.” We pray to ensure that the coming week will be a week of “healing for all of you,” she said, adding that she hopes the “next chapter” will be one of “lasting peace.” “God bless you all for standing in solidarity during this dark chapter,” she said.
As they left the stage, according to the BBC, the crowd was chanting “thank you Trump.”
