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Freed hostages from Gaza visited President Trump in the Oval Office, expressing that his potential return to the White House gave them hope after enduring hundreds of days of captivity under Hamas.
At a Thursday press conference, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff stated that seven individuals liberated from Gaza, accompanied by family members, met with the president this week. They recounted their harrowing experiences of abduction, severe mistreatment, and time spent in captivity.
Omer Shem Tov, an Israeli hostage released on Feb. 22, told the president he believed Trump was “sent by God” to ensure their freedom.
“They mentioned how news of his election uplifted them,” Witkoff said regarding the meeting. “They were excited awaiting him, confident he would assist in their rescue.”
Witkoff described the event as “emotional” and reaffirmed the Trump administration’s dedication to securing the release of additional hostages.
Recent reports indicate the Trump administration has begun direct negotiations with Hamas, a development that reportedly frustrated Benjamin Netanyahu.
Details of the negotiations remain vague, though reports suggest the Trump team proposed a ceasefire and the release of 10 more hostages. The identities of those to be included in the next release are unclear, with 25 hostages still believed to be alive, including one American.
“Edan Alexander is a high priority for us – as are all the hostages – but particularly because he is an American and injured,” Witkoff told reporters.
Witkoff confirmed Adam Boehler, special envoy in charge, has been involved in recent negotiations aimed at securing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, which is intended to facilitate the release of the remaining hostages.
“We believe Hamas has not been transparent with us and needs to be,” Witkoff stated. “Releasing Edan Alexander would be a significant gesture.”
Trump posted on social media this week, demanding Hamas immediately release all hostages. However, Hamas has responded that they will only initiate further hostage releases if a second phase of the ceasefire is agreed upon.
Hamas still holds 59 hostages, including one person taken by the group separate from the October 2023 attacks.
It is believed that 35 hostages have been killed by Hamas, and their bodies remain in the group’s possession. This includes four Americans: Omer Neutra, Itay Chen, Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein Haggai – all of whom are believed to have been killed on Oct. 7, 2023.