The United States Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, met with relatives of hostages held in the Gaza strip on August 2, 2025, in Tel Aviv. Witkoff expressed optimism about a resolution to the ongoing conflict, stating, “We are close to the end of this war.” He outlined a plan to conclude hostilities and secure the return of all hostages.The meeting, which lasted approximately three hours, was detailed in a statement from the Hostage Families Forum.
Witkoff assured the families that their children would be brought home and that Hamas would be held accountable. He also emphasized the commitment to the well-being of the Gaza population, stating, “We know who is still alive, and someone will be responsible if they do not return alive.” U.S. President Donald Trump has characterized the release of all hostages as a “sacred mission.”
Recent days have seen Hamas and other Islamist groups release videos of hostages. While family members initially prohibited the dissemination of these videos,some static images were later permitted. The footage, reportedly showing hostages in a tunnel, has deeply affected many Israelis.
Official Israeli data indicates that 50 hostages remain in the Gaza Strip, with at least 20 believed to be alive. The current conflict began after Hamas and other islamist groups kidnapped over 250 people in Israel on October 7, 2023, an attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths. The war in Gaza has led to over 60,000 fatalities in the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian figures, over the past 22 months.
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8 · Call-to-Action
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