Former Hamas hostages urge Netanyahu and Trump to secure release of remaining captives

Former Hamas hostages are urging top leaders to prioritize the release of remaining captives, even if it means pausing military operations. Following Edan Alexander’s recent release, 65 survivors of Hamas captivity are calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to act swiftly and not let this critical opportunity slip away.

In a letter signed by former hostages, they emphasize the importance of returning to the negotiating table to secure a comprehensive deal. The letter highlights the urgency of the situation and urges all parties involved to work towards freeing those still held in Gaza.

The hostage situation dates back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas took 251 hostages, including 12 American citizens. While some, like Keith Siegel, Edan Alexander, and Sagui Dekel-Chen, have been released alive, others like Hersh Goldberg-Polin have tragically lost their lives. The remains of several Americans, including Omer Neutra, Itay Chen, Judith Weinstein Haggai, and Gadi Haggai, are still held by Hamas.

Siegel, who credits Trump for his own release, is among the former captives advocating for the freedom of all remaining hostages, regardless of their nationality. The survivors are united in their plea for swift action to bring their fellow captives home.

During his recent visit to the Middle East, President Trump has been focused on brokering deals that could benefit both the U.S. and Israel, though these efforts do not directly address the hostage situation. Trump’s discussions with Syria about joining the Abraham Accords and normalizing ties with Israel in exchange for sanctions relief are part of his broader diplomatic initiatives in the region.

While Netanyahu’s office and the White House have not commented on the letter from former hostages, the survivors remain hopeful that their plea will be heard and acted upon promptly.

In conclusion, the call for the release of remaining Hamas hostages is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention from leaders around the world. The survivors’ message is clear: the time to act is now to bring all hostages home safely.