Mass rallies were held Saturday in Tel Aviv and ten other cities across Israel to mark 652 days since dozens of Israeli hostages were taken into Gaza. The events came amid an announcement by US President Donald Trump that 10 more hostages would soon be released.
Trump's announcement earlier in the day, delivered during a press event, raised hopes. "We've gotten most of the hostages back. We'll have another 10 very soon, and we hope to wrap this up quickly," the US president said. He also claimed that "three nuclear sites in Iran have been destroyed or completely wiped out. It will take years to restore them."
Speaking at the main rally in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, former hostage Doron Steinbrecher shared a deeply personal message. "Six months ago, I crossed from the gates of hell back into the State of Israel," she said. "I can't believe people are still in that hell, 652 days later. I came back, I was brought back. It's possible to bring them back, it's possible to make a deal."
Echoing the desperation felt by many families of those still held in Gaza, Steinbrecher described the lasting trauma. "I still can't breathe, not without fear. That will take more time. But the first step is for everyone to return. That's the first step in our healing. It's possible."
She referenced the deal that had led to her release, claiming it had been meant to secure the return of all the hostages. "Six months ago, I was brought home. Bibi [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu], Trump, the mediators, all of them closed a deal, a phased deal that was supposed to bring everyone back. It was cut short."
Speaking directly to President Trump, Steinbrecher said, "We met and we talked. I know how personally important this is to you, how involved you are, and I know what you're capable of. Make it happen. Get everyone out of the gates of hell so we can start to heal."
She also addressed Prime Minister Netanyahu: "Close the deal. So we can make Israel great again."
Turning to those still in captivity, she said, "Know this: we are not giving up on you."
Families of hostages and former captives repeatedly appealed to Trump: "We need your leadership. Help us bring our children home."
