American Envoys Address Hostage Families in Tel Aviv Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL – October 11, 2025 – U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Ivanka Trump met wiht families of hostages in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square today, offering words of support as negotiations continue for the release of captives held in Gaza. The visit comes as pressure mounts for a resolution to the ongoing conflict and the return of those abducted during the October 7, 2023 attacks.
The delegation’s presence underscores the United States’ continued diplomatic efforts to secure the freedom of the hostages,a cause that has gripped Israel and drawn international attention. Families, many of whom have waited for months for news of their loved ones, expressed a mix of hope and frustration as the envoys addressed the crowd. The situation remains deeply sensitive,with public sentiment fluctuating between optimism for a breakthrough and anger towards the goverment’s handling of the crisis.
“Your courage moved the world,” said Efrat Machikawa, niece of Gadi Moses, who was released after 482 days in captivity, prompting a burst of applause from the assembled crowd.
The square itself reflected the international scope of the crisis, with american flags displayed alongside Israeli banners. Excitement rippled through the crowd as some attendees believed they spotted Witkoff,the American emissary,while boos erupted at the mention of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s name.
JOHN WESSELS / AFP photo caption: In Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, October 11, 2025.
