Israel holds its breath as Trump-brokered hostage deal nears

Israel holds its breath as Trump-brokered hostage deal nears

TEL AVIV — Between grief and joy, Israel is frozen in suspense as families await the long-promised return of hostages from Gaza — a breakthrough many credit not to Netanyahu, but to Donald Trump.

In Hostages Square, the emotional heart of Tel Aviv, parents who’ve camped out for nearly two years are daring to smile again. Ofir Braslavski, father of 21-year-old captive Rom Braslavski, said he’s “thinking only of the hug, the smell, the kiss.”

By Monday noon, forty-eight hostages are set to be released under phase one of the Trump-pushed ceasefire. Only twenty are believed to be alive — but that’s enough to bring a flicker of hope to a country that’s known only rage and mourning since October 7.

The plaza has turned red, white and blue — American flags and Trump posters everywhere. Families say it was Trump, not Israel’s divided government, who “forced the deal through.” Netanyahu, once hailed as “Mr. Security,” is now being blamed by many for dragging out the war and blocking past release efforts.

Braslavski brushes off politics. “I just want peace,” he says — a rare note of faith in a nation split down the middle. Around him, strangers hug, cookies are shared, and for one night, Israel feels united again — if only by exhaustion and relief.

Two fathers embrace: one expecting his son’s return, the other mourning his son’s death in captivity. Both stand in the same storm of tears, caught between heartbreak and hope.

Key Takeaways:

• Israel braces for first wave of hostage releases under Trump-brokered deal.

• Families praise Trump, blame Netanyahu for months of delay.

• Moment of unity in Tel Aviv mixes grief, relief, and fragile hope.

Original source CNN