Former Hamas hostages are calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to move quickly to free the remaining hostages, even if it means halting military operations.
After American Israeli Edan Alexander’s release earlier this week, 65 survivors of Hamas captivity urged Netanyahu, Trump and Witkoff to seize the moment and “not let this historic momentum stop.”
“We believe the Israeli government now faces a genuine opportunity to return to the negotiating table. We urge all those involved in this process: Please do not walk away until a comprehensive deal is signed,” the letter states.
On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas took 251 hostages, 12 of whom were American citizens. Keith Siegel, Edan Alexander and Sagui Dekel-Chen have all been released alive. Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s body was taken out of Gaza in August 2023. Hamas is still holding the remains of multiple Americans who have been confirmed dead: Omer Neutra, Itay Chen, Judith Weinstein Haggai and Gadi Haggai.
HOSTAGES FREED FROM GAZA TELL TRUMP HE WAS ‘SENT BY GOD’ TO SAVE THEM, BUT DOZENS MORE REMAIN
Siegel is among the former hostages who signed the letter. He has previously thanked Trump for securing his release, even crediting the president for his being alive. Now, he is joining other former Hamas captives demanding freedom for those who remain in Gaza, “regardless of which citizenship they hold.”
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In response to a request for comment, the White House referred Fox News Digital to the comments Trump made while in Saudi Arabia.
“In Gaza, my administration shares the hope of so many in this region for a future of safety and dignity of the Palestinian people. But that cannot happen as long as Gaza’s leaders take delight in raping, torturing, and murdering innocent people. Can’t have it.
I greatly appreciate the constructive role that the leaders in this room have played in trying to bring the terrible conflict to an end, including by helping secure the release of American hostage Edan Alexander. It was a big day yesterday. Very important day. I was told just before I left that they were going to be releasing Edan. We thought Edan was dead. Three weeks ago, they said Edan was no longer living. And it was a very, very good thing.
Ultimately, all hostages of all nationalities must be released as a stepping stone to peace, and I think it’s going to be happening. A lot of things are happening. A lot of very positive things are happening on every front.”
While in the Middle East in the days after Alexander’s release, Trump has worked on making deals for the U.S., many of which could also benefit Israel, though the latest slate of deals seems to be unrelated to the remaining hostages.
The president asked Syria to join the Abraham Accords and normalize ties with Israel in exchange for sanctions relief. Additionally, Trump said Damascus would need to deport “Palestinian terrorists,” help the U.S. prevent the resurgence of ISIS and assume charge of ISIS detention centers in northeast Syria.
Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on the letter.
Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz contributed to this report.
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