A delegation of seven former hostages held by Hamas is making its way to Washington, D.C., where they will meet with key U.S. officials, including members of the Trump administration. The group aims to share their harrowing experiences and advocate for the return of those still in captivity.

Meet the Delegation

The delegates—Eli Sharabi, Doron Steinbrecher, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Omer Shem Tov, and Iair Horn—have come together to thank U.S. officials for their role in securing their freedom. According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters, their discussions will highlight the necessity of ensuring the immediate return of all remaining hostages held by Hamas.

A Plea for Action from Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has personally reached out to Sharabi, commending him for his bravery in telling his story. “It is important that you also share it with President Trump,” Netanyahu stated, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to bringing all hostages home. The Prime Minister reiterated that the mission would not cease until every hostage is returned to their families.

Sharabi expressed profound relief at being reunited with his loved ones but firmly asserted the urgency of freeing those still held by Hamas. “The remaining hostages, especially those who are alive, must come home as soon as possible,” he declared. Moreover, he highlighted the plight of the families of fallen hostages, like his brother Yossi, who deserve closure in their mourning process.

Israel’s Strategic Shift: Aid Frozen

In a related development, Israeli officials announced a suspension of all aid shipments into Gaza following Hamas’ refusal to accept a new ceasefire extension. This decision underscores a broader strategy of leveraging humanitarian support as a means to compel Hamas to negotiate.

The Trump administration has been involved in these discussions, supporting Israel’s stance. A high-ranking White House official emphasized, “Israel has negotiated in good faith since the beginning of this administration to ensure the release of hostages held by Hamas terrorists.”

Ceasefire Talks: The Stakes Remain High

The initial phase of the ceasefire that allowed for increased humanitarian aid came to an end on Saturday. While negotiations persist for a second phase that includes the release of additional hostages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal, the timeline remains uncertain.

Israeli officials have expressed backing for extending the ceasefire until April 20, aligning with both Ramadan and Passover. This proposal originated from the Trump administration’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. In this arrangement, Hamas would agree to release half of the hostages immediately, with the remaining captives to be freed as a long-term agreement unfolds.

During the first phase, Hamas freed 25 Israeli hostages and returned the remains of eight others. In exchange, Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and moderated military operations in Gaza, thereby allowing for a significant increase in humanitarian aid to the beleaguered region.

The Ongoing Impact of Conflict

The hostages’ trip to Washington comes against a backdrop of escalating conflict that erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel. This assault led to the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abductions of more than 251. Currently, Hamas retains 59 hostages, with 32 of these individuals presumed dead.

Israel’s military response has been devastating, resulting in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry. However, the statistics released do not provide a clear breakdown distinguishing between civilians and combatants. The repercussions of this conflict continue to reverberate through communities on both sides.