Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside his wife, Sara Netanyahu, held an emotional meeting in Washington, D.C., with families of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza.
The prime minister reassured the relatives of his continued commitment to securing the hostages’ release.
Among those in attendance were family members of Itay Chen, Matan Angrest, Segev Kalfon, and Elkana Bohbot—individuals who were abducted during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office revealed that Netanyahu emphasized the significance of the hostage issue during his recent engagements with U.S. President Donald Trump.
“The utmost efforts are being exerted at all times to free all the hostages, both living and dead,”
Netanyahu told the families, stating that the issue remains at the forefront of diplomatic and military considerations.
The private meeting occurred just hours after Netanyahu’s closed-door talks at the White House, where discussions reportedly centered on establishing a ceasefire and advancing negotiations for a potential hostage deal. The Israeli government and the families have long been advocating for a breakthrough.
Photographs from the event showed the prime minister and his wife seated closely with the affected families, listening attentively as they shared personal stories and called for intensified pressure on all relevant fronts.
Though grateful for the engagement, the families expressed deep frustration at the lack of progress.
They “pressed for more urgent action, as time drags on with no breakthrough in sight.”
