Standing before a vast crowd in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square on Saturday night, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff opened his historic address with emotion and awe. Witkoff was greeted with applause when he arrived at the venue, where tens of thousands had gathered, at around 8 p.m.
“I dreamed of this night — it’s been a long journey,” Witkoff said, gazing at the sea of people before him. “This is the most powerful sight. I don’t know how many people are out there — it looks like almost 100,000 — all of our hearts beating as one here in Tel Aviv, for peace, for unity, and for hope in this sacred place we call Hostages Square.”
Remarks by Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Ivanka Trump
(Video: Satview)
As the crowd erupted in cheers of “Thank you, Trump,” Witkoff smiled and added, “I only wish the president were here — he would love this.”
He went on to describe the evening as a rare and defining moment of unity: “We stand here tonight — Jews, Christians, Muslims, and people from every corner of the world — united by one shared prayer for peace. Tonight, we celebrate something extraordinary: a moment that many thought was impossible. Yet here we stand, living proof that when courage meets conviction, miracles can happen — a peace not born of politics, but of courage, the courage of those who refused to give up hope.”
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Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Ivanka Trump attend Hostages Square rally
(Photo: Paulina Patimer)
“First and foremost, I want to honor the people of Israel — your strength, your resilience, your unwavering spirit. Through unimaginable pain and loss, you have carried the weight of hope on your shoulders for the entire world. You prayed, and you have shown that peace is not weakness — it is the highest form of strength.”
The crowd booed at the mention of Netanyahu
(Video: Satview)
“Through heartbreak and fear, you never let go of faith. Your courage and endurance have inspired the world. And it is your belief, joined with the bold leadership of my friend, President Donald J. Trump, that has made this peace possible.”
This moment was made through the tireless dedication of leaders who refused to rest until the world could see what was achievable — one of them standing right here with me, Jared Kushner.
“To Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — okay, okay, let me just finish my thought,” Witkoff said as the crowd booed at the mention of the Israeli leader. “I was in the trenches with the prime minister. Believe me, he was an important part of this effort. The prime minister and his staff, including Ron Dermer, have sacrificed so much for this country and devoted their lives to the service of Israel. Their dedication to the history and destiny of this nation stands out tonight. They’ve given everything — their time, their energy, and their hearts — to building a safer, stronger future for the Jewish people.”
Kushner: 'October 7 was a shattering day. I watched the videos and cried all night — I will never be the same'
“I agree with you — thank you, Witkoff,” Jared Kushner began. “It’s been a great honor over the past ten months to work closely with Steve, and even more so during this last month. I have to tell you, it’s been a privilege to work with such a special man — someone who approached this impossible task with a full heart and unwavering commitment. Whenever things got tough and we hit a wall, Steve would say, ‘Let’s make a new plan. Let’s try again.’ That’s what being partners with him was like.”
“I also have to say that working with President Trump on this has been extraordinary. His commitment to achieving peace, to bringing the hostages home, to keeping Israel safe and secure, and to ensuring stability and prosperity across the Middle East is unmatched. Thank you, President Trump, for the incredible job you’ve done and for your dedication to ending this horrible conflict.”
“October 7 was a shattering day for me,” Kushner continued. “My wife and I were at a friend’s wedding in Colorado. When I heard the news, I went back to the hotel room and spent the night watching the videos, trying to reach anyone I could for information — and I just cried. Seeing those acts of barbarism that day made me realize how fortunate we are to live in a society with laws, morals, and humanity. What happened shocked me to my core. I will never be the same. Since that day, my heart has not been whole. I’ve carried a tremendous burden — to see the hostages come home, to see their families find closure, to end this nightmare, and to see the suffering in Gaza end as well. For so many there, this tragedy was not of their making — they were born into horror.”
“We’re not celebrating tonight,” he said. “We’ll celebrate on Monday, when Phase One is complete. But tonight, I just want to say how proud I am of the State of Israel and its people. Through this traumatic, unthinkable, horrific experience, instead of replicating the barbarism of your enemy, you chose to be exceptional. You stood by your values. I couldn’t be prouder to be a friend of Israel — someone who supports Israel and fights passionately for its survival, its success, and its full potential.”
“All I know — and I say this with complete confidence — is that what will rise from this trauma is a new level of greatness. A new level of achievement, of impact, of leadership that Israel has never seen before. I encourage you to move forward, to seize this opportunity, and as we close this chapter, to learn from the pain and the challenges. Let’s make Israel, the region, and the world more peaceful. Let’s build bridges of understanding, eliminate hatred — both within ourselves and toward others — and lead with love and compassion.”
“I want to thank you all for your tremendous commitment and for the support you’ve shown these families through such a horrific time,” Kushner said in closing. “And finally, I want to thank the brave soldiers of the IDF — without their heroism, brilliance, and courage, this deal would not have been possible. God willing, we’ve accomplished the first phase. It’s been very, very rocky — one day Steve and I will tell the stories. They’ll make you laugh, they’ll make you cry — it’s been crazy.”
Ivanka Trump: 'The president stands with you - always'
Ivanka Trump concluded the evening at Hostages Square, addressing the crowd with a message of faith and solidarity.
“Tonight we honor the strength of every family that has waited, prayed, and believed,” she said. “President Trump wanted me to share that he sees you, hears you, and stands with you — always.
“The return of all hostages is not just a moment of relief; it’s a victory of faith, courage, and our shared humanity. So many people have worked tirelessly to ensure that the coming week will bring healing for everyone. May God bless you.”
Earlier, families of Israeli hostages delivered a public statement at the square, as they do every Saturday night — but this time, the gathering was marked by anticipation and hope ahead of the expected return of their loved ones to Israel in the coming two days, after more than two years in Hamas captivity.
While expressing joy over the return of the surviving hostages, family members made clear they would not end their campaign until the remains of all those who died in captivity are also brought home — amid Hamas’s claim that it does not know the precise locations of all the bodies.
“This is the 736th day our loved ones have been held by Hamas, but soon they will be back with us,” said Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker. “My excitement is immense — there are no words to describe it. All of Israel stands with us, wanting the hostages home and waiting to see them return.
“For 736 days, we’ve had to take to the streets, cry out, and fight for something that should be self-evident in a civilized country — the release of our loved ones from Hamas captivity. Mutual responsibility, solidarity, and the belief that no one is left behind.
“But you — the people of Israel — you are the light, the hope. You are my brothers and sisters, all of you!”
Zangauker thanked “every citizen who marched with us, reached out, hugged us, and fought by our side. Because of you, our loved ones are coming home. You are the beautiful and moving face of Israel — and because of you, Israel will rise again.”
She also remembered the heavy toll of the war: “Even in these moments, we do not forget the terrible price Israel has paid. Nearly 2,000 civilians and soldiers have been killed since October 7. I send a huge embrace to all the bereaved families — my heart is with them every single day. We owe endless gratitude to our soldiers, in active service and reserves. Because of you, we are here.”
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U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner
(Photo: Wester Wall Foundation Heritage)
Addressing the families of those still missing in Gaza, she added: “Alongside the joy and excitement over the deal to bring home the hostages and end the war, sadly this hell will not be over until every last one of them is home. Every single one. Until that happens, we will keep fighting — with them and for them. Their pain is with us every second.
“We won’t let this issue fade from the public agenda. Just as the people of Israel made sure Matan returned, we’ll continue until everyone is home. We cannot live with a piece of our hearts missing — we won’t stop until they all come back.”
First published: 18:46, 10.11.25