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A group of seven individuals recently released from Hamas captivity are en route to Washington, D.C., where they will convene with U.S. officials. This delegation includes Eli Sharabi, Doron Steinbrecher, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Omer Shem Tov, and Iair Horn, as detailed by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters.
The primary aim of their visit is to convey their appreciation to the Trump administration for its ongoing efforts and commitment to ensuring the safe return of all hostages. As they recount their firsthand experiences within Hamas’ tunnels, the group intends to emphasize the urgency of returning the remaining hostages swiftly and in one coordinated effort.
WHITE HOUSE BACKS ISRAEL’S DECISION TO HALT GAZA AID SHIPMENTS UNTIL HAMAS ACCEPTS CEASEFIRE EXTENSION
Eli Sharabi, one of the captives, was held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023. He was finally released and handed over to the Red Cross in Deir al-Balah on February 8, 2025. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to share words of encouragement with Sharabi during this emotionally charged time.
“I deeply appreciate the courageous way you are sharing your experience, and it is also important that you share it with President Trump,” Netanyahu communicated to Sharabi. “Our goal is to bring all the hostages home – and we will not relent for a moment.”
In response, Sharabi expressed his relief at being reunited with his family but underscored the necessity of bringing home the remaining hostages, particularly those who are still alive. He stated, “The fallen hostages, including my brother Yossi, must be brought back for burial in Israel so that their families have a grave to mourn at.”
ISRAEL AGREES TO TRUMP ENVOY’S TEMPORARY GAZA CEASEFIRE EXTENSION PROPOSAL AS FIRST PHASE EXPIRES: REPORTS
In related developments, Israeli officials announced on Sunday a halt to all goods and supplies entering the Gaza Strip. They cautioned Hamas of potential “additional consequences” should it refuse to accept a new proposal for an extended ceasefire, a decision made in consultation with the Trump administration.
The White House has expressed its support for Israel’s decision, highlighting that the nation has “negotiated in good faith since the beginning of this administration to ensure the release of hostages held captive by Hamas terrorists.”
The first phase of the ceasefire, which included increased humanitarian assistance, expired on Saturday. Negotiations for a second phase have yet to commence, following Hamas’ obligation to release additional hostages in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire.
Israeli representatives indicated they back a proposal to prolong the ceasefire through key religious observances, Ramadan and Passover, which concludes on April 20. This proposal originated from Trump administration Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Under the terms discussed, Hamas would free half of the hostages on the first day, with the remainder to be released once a permanent ceasefire agreement is established, according to Netanyahu’s office. During the first phase of the ceasefire, 25 Israeli hostages, along with the remains of eight others, were released in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. This phase also included a significant reduction of Israeli military presence in most of Gaza, allowing for a considerable influx of humanitarian aid.
The ongoing conflict was ignited when Hamas launched a sudden attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and over 251 abductions. There are still 59 hostages believed to be in Hamas’s custody, with 32 of them presumed dead.
Israel’s military response has reportedly led to more than 48,000 Palestinian casualties, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry, although it does not specify the number of combatants versus civilians among the deceased.
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