Just a day after Israel’s Qatar strike, President Donald Trump and top U.S. officials met hostage families and survivors, vowing full commitment to secure the release of all 48 captives.
In a deeply emotional gathering at the White House, President Donald Trump, joined by Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Ambassador Steve Witkoff, met with families of hostages and survivors of Hamas captivity — just 24 hours after the dramatic Israeli strike in Qatar.
Among those present were Ohad and Raz Ben Ami, both former hostages, and Ilay and Yeela David, siblings of captive Evyatar David.
President Trump reiterated his unwavering commitment to bringing every hostage home:
“We are working very hard, and we will get them out. I wanted my most senior team here today to show you — this administration is fully committed to bringing all the hostages home.”
The President even asked the families if military occupation could aid the effort, but they warned it would only endanger the captives. They insisted that negotiated peace is the only viable solution — a point Trump acknowledged with respect.
Witnesses described Trump as visibly moved, recognizing the horror endured by the captives, while also expressing relief at seeing some survivors safe. He concluded by reaffirming his relentless pursuit of freedom for the remaining 48 hostages, calling their release a top priority of his administration.
This meeting highlighted both the high stakes of the conflict and the central role the U.S. is playing in efforts to resolve one of the most painful crises of the war.
