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. American Israeli Edan Alexander’s release earlier this week brought hope to 65 survivors of Hamas captivity, who are urging Netanyahu, Trump, and Witkoff to seize the moment and not let this historic momentum stop. The meeting between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 4, 2025, further emphasized the urgency of the situation.
Opportunity for Negotiation:
The survivors believe that the Israeli government now has a genuine opportunity to return to the negotiating table. They urge all parties involved in the process not to walk away until a comprehensive deal is signed. The release of Edan Alexander has opened a ‘window of opportunity’ for a wider hostage deal, especially amid Trump’s visit to the Middle East. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas took 251 hostages, including 12 American citizens. While some hostages have been released alive, others, like Hersh Goldberg-Polin, have tragically lost their lives. Hamas continues to hold the remains of multiple Americans, including Omer Neutra, Itay Chen, Judith Weinstein Haggai, and Gadi Haggai.
Trump’s Efforts in the Middle East:
During his visit to the Middle East following Alexander’s release, Trump has been working on various deals for the U.S., some of which could benefit Israel as well. However, the latest slate of deals does not seem to directly address the issue of the remaining hostages. Trump has urged Syria to join the Abraham Accords and normalize ties with Israel in exchange for sanctions relief. Additionally, he has requested Damascus to deport “Palestinian terrorists,” assist in preventing the resurgence of ISIS, and take charge of ISIS detention centers in northeast Syria. While the specifics of these deals remain unclear, they could potentially impact the situation of the remaining hostages in Gaza.
Uncertain Response:
Netanyahu’s office has chosen not to comment on the letter from the former hostages, and the White House has yet to respond to requests for comment. The situation remains tense as the survivors and their supporters continue to push for the release of those still held captive. The future of the negotiations and potential deals in the Middle East hangs in the balance, with the fate of the remaining hostages at stake.
In conclusion, the plea from former Hamas hostages for swift action to free the remaining captives highlights the urgency and complexity of the situation in the Middle East. As Trump works on brokering deals in the region, the fate of those still held by Hamas remains uncertain. The survivors’ call for continued negotiation and comprehensive agreements underscores the need for diplomatic solutions to ensure the safe return of all hostages. The world watches as leaders grapple with these challenges, hoping for a resolution that brings closure to the harrowing ordeal endured by those affected.
