Recently freed hostages from Gaza visited President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, sharing how his re-election to the White House instilled hope in them following their harrowing experiences of hundreds of days held captive by Hamas.
During a Thursday press conference, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, informed reporters that seven individuals freed from Gaza, along with some family members, met with President Trump this week to recount their traumatic stories of abduction and abuse during captivity.
One Israeli hostage, Omer Shem Tov, who was liberated on February 22, expressed to the president that he felt Trump was "sent by God" to facilitate their release.
HAMAS TREATMENT OF HOSTAGES ‘INTOLERABLE,’ TRUMP ENVOY SAYS
Witkoff highlighted the joy expressed by the hostages, stating, "They shared how they learned about his election, which uplifted their spirits. They were thrilled to meet him, knowing he would assist in their rescue."
Describing the atmosphere as "emotional," Witkoff reaffirmed the Trump administration’s dedication to securing the release of additional hostages.
This week, reports surfaced indicating that the Trump administration has initiated direct negotiations with Hamas, a development that reportedly frustrated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
While details of these negotiations remain sparse, sources suggest that the Trump team has proposed a 60-day ceasefire along with the release of an additional ten hostages. However, the identities of those to be released remain uncertain, as 25 hostages are still believed to be alive, including one American.
Witkoff emphasized the importance of one hostage, Edan Alexander, an injured American, stating, "All hostages are crucial to us, but Edan is a top priority."
AFTER TRUMP THREAT, HAMAS REFUSES TO RELEASE MORE HOSTAGES WITHOUT PHASE 2 CEASEFIRE DEAL
Witkoff confirmed that Adam Boehler, the special envoy overseeing hostage negotiations, has been actively involved in discussions to secure the second phase of the ceasefire agreement aimed at ensuring the release of remaining hostages.
He stated, "We feel that Hamas has not been forthcoming with us, and it’s time for them to be transparent." He reiterated the significance of Edan Alexander, saying, "He would be a very important show of goodwill from them."
This week, Trump also issued another warning via social media, urging Hamas to release all hostages immediately. However, Hamas has responded by stating they will only begin releasing more hostages if a second phase of the ceasefire is agreed upon.
Currently, there are still 59 hostages held by Hamas, including one individual taken separately from the October 2023 attacks.
Tragically, reports indicate that approximately 35 hostages have been killed by Hamas, with their bodies still being held, including four Americans: Omer Neutra, Itay Chen, Gadi Haggai, and Judi Weinstein Haggai, all believed to have been killed during the October 7 attacks in 2023.
