As the ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza is set to go into effect, the families of the Americans believed to be held hostage by Hamas have engaged in discussions with senior members of the US government. The families met with President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming national security team, including Mike Waltz and Adam Boehler, to address their concerns and seek assurances regarding the safe return of their loved ones.
During the meeting on Capitol Hill, the families expressed their anxieties about the implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release deal. They emphasized the importance of seeing the process through to ensure the safe return of all hostages. In response, Waltz assured the families that this issue is a top priority for Trump’s team and pledged to work towards the safe return of the hostages.
In addition to the meeting with Trump’s team, the families also spoke with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to further discuss the situation. The families are hopeful that these discussions will lead to concrete actions that will facilitate the release of the hostages.
Currently, seven Americans are believed to be held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. While three individuals are presumed to be alive, four others have been confirmed dead, with their remains still being held in Gaza. Notably, Keith Siegel and Sagui Dekel-Chen are among the hostages expected to be released in the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement.
As the families continue to advocate for the safe return of their loved ones, the US government remains committed to supporting their efforts and ensuring the successful implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza.
