Trump hosts former Gaza captives, hostage families in the White House

Day after Israeli strike on Hamas terrorists in Qatar, President Donald Trump meets with Israeli hostages freed from Gaza, and with relatives of captives still held in the Strip.

By World Israel News Staff 

President Donald Trump hosted an Israeli delegation at the White House on Wednesday, including former hostages taken captive on October 7, 2023, along with relatives of hostages still held in the Gaza Strip.

The meeting took place in the Oval Office 24 hours after Israeli warplanes bombed a gathering of the Hamas politburo in Doha, Qatar. Shortly after the attack, Trump criticized Israel over the strike, calling the location “unfortunate” — even as he acknowledged the targeted killing of Hamas leaders was a “worthy goal.”

Wednesday’s Oval Office meeting featured White House special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who played a key role in hostage-deal talks, including the January 19 release negotiated before Trump’s inauguration.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also present, along with Vice President JD Vance.

The Israeli delegation was made up of a number of former hostages returned to Israel, including dual Israeli-German citizen Ohad Ben Ami, who was released as part of the January 19 deal, and Ben Ami’s wife, Raz, who was freed during the first hostage deal, in November 2023.

Other participants included Ilay David and his sister, Yeela David, representing their brother, Evyatar David, who remains in captivity.

Earlier this year, Hamas drew international condemnation, including from President Donald Trump, after it released footage of an emaciated Evyatar digging what appeared to be his own grave.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Trump reassured the delegation that his administration is making every effort to return the remaining hostages.

According to intelligence information, of the 48 captives still in Gaza, it is believed that 20 are still alive.