Weary Israelis greet Trump as saviour as hostages deal inches closer

Israelis in Tel Aviv cautiously optimistic but show little sympathy for Palestinians in war-ravaged Gaza

Donald Trump was the guest of honour on Saturday night at what could be the final rally at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. Demonstrators took turns shaking the hand of the US president, or rather, a woman wearing a papier-mache Trump mask, while another woman stood silently holding a sign reading we love Trump."

For nearly two years, Israelis have gathered in front of the ministry of defence and demanded the government bring home their loved ones. Now, as Israel and Hamas seem to be on the cusp of a deal that could end the war and bring the hostages home, many Israelis are thanking Trump, not the Israeli government, for the potential peace.