Witkoff speaks at Tel Aviv rally as Israel awaits hostages’ release

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff addressed a packed crowd at Tel Aviv’s Hostages’ Square on Saturday night as Israel prepared for the expected return of Israeli captives under a newly implemented ceasefire framework.

The rally, organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, came amid heightened anticipation following Israel’s partial pullback from Gaza and a 72-hour window set for the release of the remaining captives.

Witkoff’s appearance followed his visit to Gaza alongside U.S. Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper, part of efforts to stand up a civil-military coordination center to oversee the truce’s first phase.

Israeli officials say that phase includes a verified withdrawal of forces to agreed lines, accelerated humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for a large tranche of Palestinian prisoners.

Crowds in Tel Aviv gathered with signs and photographs of abductees as families urged officials to ensure “everyone comes home.” Organizers framed the evening as both a show of unity and a message of vigilance as negotiations move from implementation to a broader political track. Former White House adviser Jared Kushner joined Witkoff in meetings with families ahead of the rally, underscoring Washington’s intensive mediation role in recent days.

While Israeli authorities and mediators have avoided publishing exact figures until transfers begin, officials and media reports indicate roughly twenty hostages are believed to be alive, with the remains of several dozen more expected to be returned as part of the first phase.

In exchange, Israel is poised to release a large number of Palestinian prisoners and maintain the military pullback so long as the ceasefire holds.

The government has ruled out freeing some high-profile detainees demanded by Hamas, even as buses carrying prisoners were moved in preparation for swaps.

The ceasefire’s durability will hinge on rapid aid deliveries, coordination among security actors, and the start of talks on a second phase that addresses governance and security arrangements in Gaza.

For families in Hostages’ Square, however, the immediate focus remains on safe passage and confirmation that their loved ones are among those coming home in the days ahead.

Sources: Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, CBS News l