President Trump met families of hostages at the White House,
reaffirming his commitment to securing their release, the Hostages Forum
confirmed Wednesday.
In order to show that the American administration is dedicated to returning all of the hostages home, Trump underlined throughout the meeting how crucial it was that he gathered his most senior leadership team to meet with the families and survivors.
Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with the families of hostage and captivity survivors.
Trump questioned the families about whether military takeover of Gaza would improve the situation, but the families clarified that doing so would put their loved ones' lives in jeopardy, according to the Hostages Families Forum.
Trump acknowledged the families' assertion that a negotiated peace agreement is the only workable answer.
Reiterating his administration's efforts to secure the release of the remaining 48 captives, the statement said that Trump acknowledged the severity of the situation while expressing satisfaction at seeing some survivors in the group.
According to Trump, there may be "less than 20" captives because they "tend to die." But he said he was sure he could bring them all back to Israel.
Additionally, Trump said he thinks a ceasefire and hostage swap agreement for Gaza would be achieved "very soon."
The plan called for Hamas to free all 48 captives on the first day of the deal, including the bodies of the deceased and those thought to be alive.
Between 2,000 and 3,000 Palestinian security inmates, including those convicted of murder, are also to be released, according to the proposal. It also calls for the urgent initiation of negotiations to end the war and the postponement of Israel's planned military offensive in Gaza City.
How do international actors view Trump's efforts in securing the hostages?
Several diplomats and officials recognize that Trump's
willingness to participate personally and engage directly with foreign leaders
and militant groups to facilitate the release of American hostages is
distinctive. He took on direct negotiations, kept close contact with families,
and secured notable hostage releases, with supporters claiming some of these
releases were significant.
Critics believe that Trump's approach holds personal intervention above an integrated, coordinated government approach. They also believe his tendency to rely upon a personal approach sometimes stress successes, while at the same time his approach lacks the institutional reach of prior administrations resulting in inconsistent successes.
There are analysts who contend that Trump’s unique rhetoric and tough position have raised the profile of hostage issues but warn that his unpredictable statements and harsh policy approach can derail delicate diplomatic negotiations.