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Washington, D.C. — Six recently freed hostages met with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday to express gratitude for the administration’s efforts to secure their release and to urge immediate action to rescue those still held captive.
The delegation, organized by The Hostages Families Forum and Hostage Aid, included Doron Steinbrecher, Eli Sharabi, Naama Levy, Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov, and Keith and Aviva Siegel. All were released as part of the first phase of the latest Gaza deal.
During the meeting, the group shared emotional accounts of their time in captivity and the challenges they endured. They emphasized the urgency of securing the freedom of those still detained, highlighting the psychological toll on both the hostages and their families.
President Trump, in turn, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to bringing all American hostages home.
Messages of Gratitude and Hope
The delegation’s visit included a stop at the offices of the D.C. chapter of The Hostages Families Forum on Tuesday. There, the former hostages viewed posters depicting those still held captive and added personal messages of hope and gratitude.
Omer Shem Tov penned, “How good it is to simply be. Thank you for your prayers and hard work,” while Naama Levy expressed, “What a joy it is to be here. Thank you, everyone, for all the efforts!”
The posters, adorned with words of encouragement and resilience, were part of an ongoing campaign to keep the plight of the hostages in the public eye and to maintain pressure on policymakers to act swiftly.
A Commitment to Bring Them Home
Speaking after the meeting, a White House spokesperson stated that President Trump is “deeply moved by the courage of those who endured captivity” and that the administration is “using all available resources to ensure the safe return of every hostage.”
The spokesperson did not disclose specific details about ongoing negotiations but emphasized that diplomatic and intelligence efforts are being intensified.
The Hostages Families Forum also released a statement following the meeting, praising the administration’s efforts but urging continued action.
“We are grateful for the commitment shown by President Trump and his team. However, the work is far from over. Every moment that passes is a moment too long for those still in captivity,” the statement read.
Calls for International Support
The delegation also called for greater international involvement in the efforts to free the remaining hostages. “This is not just an American issue; it’s a humanitarian issue that requires a global response,” said Keith Siegel, one of the freed hostages.
He urged allied nations to leverage their diplomatic channels to support ongoing negotiations.
As the meeting concluded, President Trump was photographed alongside the former hostages in the Oval Office, a moment that underscored the gravity of the situation and the administration’s resolve.
For the families of those still waiting, however, the images served as both a source of hope and a painful reminder of the fight that remains.
With negotiations ongoing and the fates of numerous captives hanging in the balance, the urgency expressed by the freed hostages resonates far beyond the walls of the White House.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members