White House Hosts Gaza Hostage Survivors and Families for Meeting With Witkoff, Leavitt

For the first time since the Hamas terror attacks of October 7, survivors of captivity and families of hostages held in Gaza met with senior White House officials, marking a significant moment of empathy and commitment from the United States.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles welcomed the group. Among the attendees were Tal Shoham, a survivor of Hamas captivity; Ilan, Merav, and Gal Dalal, relatives of hostage Guy Gilboa Dalal; Galia and Ilay David, family members of hostage Evyatar David; and Orna and Ronen Neutra, parents of American-Israeli hostage Omer Neutra.

Leavitt underscored the administration’s unwavering dedication to the cause. “We are fully committed to securing the release of all the hostages,” she said. “Their return is essential not only on humanitarian and moral grounds, but also as a critical step toward regional stability.”

According to the Forum, the meeting left a deep impression on President Biden, further intensifying his resolve to see every hostage freed. The administration also condemned the recent anti-Jewish attack in Colorado as “abhorrent,” reaffirming that there is “no place for such acts on American soil.”

In response to media questions about the situation in Gaza, Leavitt highlighted Hamas’ ongoing misinformation campaign. She sharply criticized outlets like the BBC for disseminating unverified narratives, stating, “We don’t take the word of Hamas with total truth, unlike the BBC,” citing instances where the broadcaster had to retract false reports that cast Israel as the aggressor.

This pivotal meeting not only reinforced US-Israel solidarity but also provided hope to the families enduring the unbearable uncertainty of captivity. It sent a clear message: America stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel in its moral and strategic fight for the safe return of the hostages.

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