A group of seven hostages freed from Hamas’ captivity are set to meet with U.S. officials in Washington, D.C., to express their gratitude for the Trump administration’s efforts to bring them home. Eli Sharabi, Doron Steinbrecher, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Omer Shem Tov, and Iair Horn will share their firsthand experiences in Hamas’ tunnels with government officials.
The group is pushing for Hamas to return all remaining hostages immediately in a single phase. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken out, stating that his administration’s goal is to bring all hostages home, regardless of the cost. Sharabi, who was reunited with his family after being freed, emphasized the need for the remaining hostages to be returned home “urgently.”
The U.S. government backs Israel’s decision to halt aid shipments to Gaza until Hamas accepts a ceasefire extension. The Trump administration has proposed extending the first phase of the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, or April 20, which would see Hamas release half the hostages on the first day in exchange for an Israeli pullout and a permanent ceasefire.
The negotiations follow a devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas that began on October 7, 2023, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and 251 abductions. Israel’s military operation has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The hostages’ testimony is expected to shed light on their experiences in Hamas’ tunnels.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/delegation-hostages-released-hamas-traveling-dc-meet-trump-admin-officials