WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trumpโ met privately with theโ family of Elad Peretz, anโ Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldier killed in Gaza on October 7, 2023, and with the familyโ of hostage Keith Siegel, amidst ongoing negotiations for the release of remaining captives held by Hamas. The meetings, โheld at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate on October 7, 2024, underscored Trump’s renewed focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his pledge to prioritize the return of all hostages.
The โขencounters took place as diplomatic efforts intensify to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. The families shared deeply personal accounts โof their loved ones’ experiences,โ and Trump reportedly reaffirmed his commitment to working towards the safe return ofโ all hostages. This engagement comesโค as Trump frequently highlights the importance of โฃthe U.S.-Israel alliance and criticizes the Biden administration’s โhandling of the situation,positioning himself as a potential mediator โฃshould he return โto office.
Peretz, 24, of Petahโ Tikva, diedโ during โขfighting โin the northern Gaza Strip. Siegel,64,a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, โฃwas abducted from his home in Kibbutz Kfar โขAza during โคthe Hamas attack. His family has been โขactively campaigning for his release. โ
“It wasโค aโค very โemotional meeting,” said โขa source familiar with the discussions. “President Trump listened intently and expressed his deepest condolences โto the families. He reiterated his โbeliefโ that a strong America is essential for ensuring Israel’s security and bringing the hostages home.”
The meetings were arranged through intermediaries โฃandโ were not publicly โขannounced โin advance. They represent a significant moment in Trump’s ongoingโ engagement withโฃ the conflict, signaling his intention to remain a prominent voice on the issue as peace talks progress.
