Outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, families of Gaza hostages staged a dramatic appeal to President Donald Trump—complete with a “Hostage Return Agreement” and mock Nobel diploma—pressing him to clinch a U.S.-backed deal, free 48 hostages, and halt the war.
In an emotional press conference outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, relatives of hostages held in Gaza issued a direct plea to President Donald Trump: sign the U.S.-backed hostage return agreement, bring their loved ones home, and end the war.
To underscore the urgency, the families set a long table with a printed “Hostage Return Agreement” beside a symbolic Nobel Peace Prize certificate, framing the moment as a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Dalia Cusnir, sister-in-law of hostage Eitan Horn, turned to the cameras: “President Trump, this is your deal—built with American leadership, ready to be signed. Hamas has signaled willingness; what’s blocking it is delay and political maneuvering by our own government. Use your leverage. Keep everyone in the room until the ink is dry. Make history.”
Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen—an American among the hostages—was even more blunt: “I speak for 48 hostages. You are the only person who can end our suffering. Demand Israel and Hamas close the deal; start the healing for both sides. The bottleneck to your new Middle East vision—and yes, a Nobel Peace Prize—is the hostages’ release and a Gaza cease-fire. There must be consequences for those who walk away.”
Gil Dickmann, cousin of Carmel Gat, who was murdered in captivity last year, accused Israel’s leadership of ignoring warnings: “Forty-two hostages were killed. End this before it kills more. You said it yourself, Mr. President: this war is bad for Israel and bad for the hostages. Most Israelis want this deal. You wrote The Art of the Deal—now make the ultimate deal.”
The families’ message was unmistakable: the deal is on the table, and they believe only Trump can push it across the finish line—bring them home, end the war, and redefine the region’s trajectory.
