Thousands Rally in Tel Aviv as Hostage Deal Talks Progress: Israel and Hamas Edging Closer

Thousands gathered on Saturday night in Kidnapped Square, Tel Aviv, as hope rises for a potential hostage deal and ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The rally, organized by the Hostage Families' Forum, comes on the heels of Hamas’ “positive response” to the latest proposal from international mediators.

The families are urging the Israeli government to finalize a comprehensive deal that would bring home all 50 remaining hostages—22 believed to be alive and 28 confirmed dead—in a single, unified agreement.

“No More Schindler’s Lists”

In an emotional statement, the Hostage Families' Forum emphasized that partial deals, selective lists, and staggered returns only deepen their pain:

“At this critical time, it is forbidden to conform to the dictates of various Schindler's lists, as if it were not possible to return them all in time,” the forum said.

“Fifty abductees need to return. Enough with separation and categories. Every family deserves clarity, closure, and the return of their loved ones—living or deceased.”

Michel Illoz, father of slain hostage Guy Illoz, shared his anguish during the rally:

“Every Friday night I read the list of casualties and wonder if my son will come home. Wasn’t it enough that the Horn brothers were separated last time? Will they separate siblings again?”

Hamas Responds “Positively,”

Hamas announced on Tuesday that it had issued a "positive response" to the Qatari proposal and is ready to “immediately enter negotiations on the agreement’s implementation.” Israeli officials confirmed receipt of the response and acknowledged that gaps are narrowing.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, pushed back against several amendments proposed by Hamas, stating they were “not acceptable to Israel.” Still, he authorized a delegation to travel to Doha today for further talks—suggesting that Israel remains open to dialogue.

A source involved in the negotiations said Hamas’ tactic is expected to be a "yes, but" approach—signaling general approval while leveraging the moment for additional concessions.

Key Hamas Demands and Points of Contention

A source close to Hamas outlined three central demands:

• Termination of the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) and return of aid distribution to prior mechanisms.

• Gradual IDF withdrawal to pre-designated positions as outlined in previous agreements.

• Guarantees from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. that fighting will not resume after a proposed 60-day ceasefire.

Israel, meanwhile, is refusing to remove GHF, which it views as a key factor that brought Hamas to the negotiating table. An Israeli official stated:

“The fund is precisely what compelled Hamas to agree. Removing it would undermine the entire framework of trust and enforcement.”

Adding to tensions, two American GHF workers were injured in Khan Yunis on Friday after attackers reportedly threw Iranian-made grenades at their convoy before disappearing into a crowd. The fund condemned the attack, calling it “a brutal assault on those trying to feed civilians.”

Withdrawal Disputes 

Another major point of dispute is the location of IDF withdrawal lines in the event of a ceasefire. The Israeli political echelon insists on maintaining a 1,250-meter buffer zone along the Gaza border and pushing Palestinian civilians south of the Morag Axis into an Israeli-controlled area.

Netanyahu has reportedly ordered IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to prepare a detailed evacuation plan for Gaza’s civilian population, to be presented after Netanyahu’s return from Washington.

From Hamas’s viewpoint, this combination—continued GHF operations and maintaining the perimeter—amounts to a “slap in the face.”

Netanyahu and Trump Set to Meet Monday 

Prime Minister Netanyahu is also expected to depart for Washington today for a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. A senior Israeli source said the deal may be jointly announced by Netanyahu and Trump during the visit, assuming further progress in Qatar.

President Trump expressed cautious optimism:

“It’s good that Hamas responded in a positive spirit,” he said. “There might be a deal next week.”

Still, he emphasized that “nothing is final,” as both sides continue to wrangle over humanitarian aid, military presence, and post-war arrangements.

Hope with Hesitation

Despite growing momentum and international mediation, the path to a comprehensive ceasefire and hostage deal remains fragile. The political, logistical, and emotional stakes are high—both for the families awaiting their loved ones, and for the governments trying to reach an elusive end to the war.

As negotiations continue in Doha, and with Netanyahu and Trump’s meeting looming, the next 72 hours may be decisive.