Families of Israeli hostages met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging bold action to secure a breakthrough deal before time runs out — warning against another heartbreaking failure like August 2024.
In an urgent and emotional appeal, families of the 50 hostages still held in Gaza met on Friday with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, imploring the United States to exert every possible effort to secure a comprehensive deal that would bring their loved ones home.
“We are living in torment — each day without answers is agony,” one family member said. “We fear the window is closing.”
The meeting, held amid growing international pressure for a resolution, included survivors of Hamas captivity and relatives of current hostages. Their message was unified and chillingly clear:
“Failure is not an option — not again.”
🇺🇸 Rubio Vows Unwavering Support
“I reaffirm my unwavering commitment — 100% — to achieving a hostage deal that brings every hostage home and ends the fighting,” said Secretary Rubio.
🧱 Faces Behind the Plea:
Among those present:
- Keith and Aviva Siegel, former hostages of Hamas
- Lishay Miran-Lavi, wife of hostage Omri Miran
- Liran Berman, brother of hostages Gali and Ziv Berman
- Anat and Hagai Angrest, parents of Matan Angrest
- Ronen and Orna Neutra, parents of hostage Omer Neutra
- Ruby and Hagit Chen, parents of hostage Itay Chen
Their presence served as a human reminder of what’s at stake — the lives, futures, and families hanging in limbo.
💔 “Never Again”: Warning Against Another August 2024
In a deeply moving statement, the families drew painful attention to the August 2024 tragedy, when six hostages were brutally murdered after earlier negotiations collapsed.
“That devastating loss must never be repeated. We are on the edge of another catastrophe. The deal must be finalized — and it must bring every single one of them home.”
🕊️ A Decisive Moment
Expressing gratitude for the U.S. administration’s support, the families made clear their faith in its leadership:
“We believe President Trump and his administration are fully committed to securing an agreement. But this moment is fragile — and fleeting.”
They emphasized the urgency of bold leadership and warned of the terrible human cost of hesitation or political failure.
