For most American families, the Fourth of July is a joyful celebration — grilling burgers in the backyard, watching fireworks light up the summer sky, and reflecting on the freedoms we’re fortunate to enjoy. We honor liberty, independence, and the founding ideals that shape this country.
For our family, it’s a reminder of the freedom that’s been denied to our son for far too long.
Omer is an American citizen — a kind, optimistic, sports-loving 21-year-old who grew up on Long Island. He was the kind of person who lights up a room, instantly makes new friends, and goes out of his way to include everyone. For over 600 days, Omer has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, alongside 49 others. He was taken from his army post on October 7, 2023. And to this day, no deal has brought him home.
The Fourth of July was always one of Omer’s favorite holidays. He loved everything about it — the spirit, the energy, the sense of unity it brought. One of his most vivid memories was joining a small-town Independence Day parade in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, during a cross-country Jewish youth trip. He soaked in the atmosphere — the music, the laughter, the feeling of belonging to something bigger than himself.
Omer had every reason to take a traditional path after high school. He was accepted to SUNY Binghamton and could have started a comfortable American college life. But instead, he chose to serve. He took a gap year in Israel and enlisted as a lone soldier in the Israel Defense Forces. His final post was near the Gaza border, where his mission was to protect nearby civilian communities.
The values we honor on Independence Day — freedom, justice, and human dignity — aren&#8217;t just words we say once a year. They are the foundation of this country. And when those values are threatened — when Americans are held by terrorists for nearly two years — they demand more than celebration. They demand action.
<div id="attachment_942937" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-942937" class="size-large wp-image-942937" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/07/GettyImages-2199158540-864x576.jpg" alt="WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 12: Ronen Neutra and Orna Neutra speak about their son, Omer Neutra, who was killed by Hamas during a roundtable discussion with the House Foreign Affairs Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on February 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. Three more hostages were released on Feb. 8 as part of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)" width="864" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/07/GettyImages-2199158540-864x576.jpg 864w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/07/GettyImages-2199158540-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/07/GettyImages-2199158540-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/07/GettyImages-2199158540.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" />Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images</div>
We have witnessed America&#8217;s incredible power in recent months. President Trump and his administration have shown that this nation can achieve the impossible when it sets its mind to it. We watched with profound gratitude as they secured the release of so many hostages, including American Edan Alexander. This is what America does — we fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. We are a nation that stands up for the vulnerable. We leave no one behind.
President Trump recently said it&#8217;s time to bring all the hostages home — and time for the war to end. We agree. Immense strength has been shown over the past 21 months. Incredible military achievements against Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas. Now, it is time for that strength to deliver peace.
But peace cannot begin until every hostage comes home.
There is no real end to the fighting in Gaza while 50 hostages remain in underground tunnels, cut off from the world, and while families like ours live in daily anguish. Peace cannot be built on the backs of unresolved suffering.
This is not a partisan issue. This is not just an Israeli issue. It is an American issue — and a human issue. Omer is one of our own, but so are the other 49 souls still trapped in darkness. If we mean what we say when we salute the flag or sing the national anthem, we cannot remain silent while any innocent person is held by a U.S.-designated terror group.
&#8220;Peace through strength&#8221; isn&#8217;t just a slogan. It&#8217;s a principle — one that must now lead to freedom for the living, dignity for the dead, and closure for families still waiting. The United States has influence, and it has leverage. It has shown it can move mountains when it chooses to act.
We call on President Trump to press regional leaders, allies, and stakeholders to come to the table and finalize a comprehensive deal. Not in phases, not with half-measures — but a deal that brings every hostage home. A deal that leaves no one behind — not the Americans, not the Israelis, not the Thai workers, not the elderly, not the men — every single one.
Omer is not a symbol or a headline. He is a son. A friend. A teammate. A young man who has always stood up for others. In that sense, he represents the very ideals we celebrate each Fourth of July. And he represents every hostage still waiting for freedom.
So this year, as Americans gather in backyards and parks, as fireworks light up the sky and flags wave proudly — we ask you to think of Omer. And of the 49 others still waiting to come home.
Don&#8217;t just wave the flag. Live its meaning. Call your elected officials. Say Omer&#8217;s name. Say all their names. Remind your representatives that freedom is not complete until it reaches every corner of human suffering.
Let this Independence Day be more than a celebration. Let it be a declaration of conviction—and the beginning of the end of this nightmare.
Because freedom means nothing if we stop fighting for those who’ve lost theirs.
* * * 
Orna and Ronen Neutra are the parents of American-Israeli hostage Omer Neutra.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

The 2024 Republican National Convention

This July 4th, Freedom Demands We Bring The Hostages Home

Gaza

Hamas

Hostages

Israel

Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

New York City

October 7

Opinion

President Trump

Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old dual citizen who had been fighting as part of the Israeli war effort, met with President Donald Trump today in the oval office after being released by Hamas from a 584-day-long captivity.
He <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/07/03/us-news/freed-hostage-edan-alexander-welcomed-at-white-house-reveals-his-treatment-in-captivity-improved-after-trumps-election/">credited the president</a> for his release, saying: “I came to thank the person responsible for saving my life. It was deeply moving to be in the White House, the same place where my parents had fought for my release so many times, but this time together with them.”
He also told the president that his captors started treating him better as soon as he came into office.
“They weren’t too afraid of Biden,” Trump replied.
He also asked for Trump’s help in securing the release of the remaining hostages: “I told the most powerful man in the world what I went through, what my friends are enduring, and asked him to continue doing everything in his power.”
“I shared with the president my fear that continued fighting endangers the hostages. I hope he can achieve another historic breakthrough—a comprehensive deal to free all 50 hostages. I told him I am confident he is the person who can make it happen.”
Hamas released Alexander unconditionally in May, in what was seen as a “goodwill gesture” to Trump to get his help in reviving ceasefire talks with Israel.
<a class="c-link" href="https://get.dailywire.com/freedom/?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=freedom&amp;utm_content=freedomeditorial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://get.dailywire.com/freedom/?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=freedom&amp;utm_content=freedomeditorial" data-sk="tooltip_parent" aria-describedby="sk-tooltip-2388">JULY 4 SALE: Get Six Months Of DW+ Free</a>
Trump is scheduled to speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next Monday and said he will be &#8220;<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-says-he-hopes-gaza-ceasefire-will-be-reached-sometime-next-week/">very firm</a>&#8221; with him on the need to end the war. He said that Netanyahu “wants it, too” and predicts that a ceasefire deal can be reached next week.
On Wednesday, Hamas announced it was considering the latest hostage-ceasefire deal proposed by Steve Witkoff, Middle East envoy for the Trump administration. Inner sources said that Hamas’ attitude toward it was “<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-says-he-hopes-gaza-ceasefire-will-be-reached-sometime-next-week/">generally positive</a>.”
Israel’s foreign minister likewise made a statement that Israel wants to resume talks “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/02/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-cease-fire-trump.html">as soon as possible.</a>”
Witkoff’s proposal is for Hamas to release 10 living Israeli hostages and return the bodies of 18 deceased hostages in return for a 60 day ceasefire. All hostages would be released if a permanent ceasefire was agreed upon during that time.

Donald Trump

Freed American Hostage Visits White House, Urges Trump To Free Remaining Hamas Captives

Executive

Terrorism

World

On Sunday, Israel Defense Forces announced they had recovered the bodies of three Israeli hostages murdered by Hamas who had been held since October 7, 2023.
“The bodies of SSGT Shay Levinson, Yonatan Samerano and Ofra Keidar, who were held hostage for 625 days in Gaza, have been recovered in a joint IDF and ISA military operation,” the IDF announced.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Bodies of 3 Deceased Hostages Recovered
The bodies of SSGT Shay Levinson, Yonatan Samerano and Ofra Keidar, who were held hostage for 625 days in Gaza, have been recovered in a joint IDF and ISA military operation.
May their memories be a blessing. <a href="https://t.co/8FUo9XJwXo">pic.twitter.com/8FUo9XJwXo</a>
&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1936715024711450746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&nbsp;
Keidar, 71, from Kibbutz Be’eri, was mother of three and the wife of Shmuel Keidar, who was murdered by Hamas in their home, Israel National News <a href="https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/410445">reported</a>. “Yonatan Samerano was brutally murdered and abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, 2023, by Hamas terrorists, including a UNRWA employee, after fleeing the Nova music festival. Yonatan was 21 years old at the time of his death.”
Levinson, 19, was a tank commander in the “Oz” Battalion and was captured fighting Hamas terrorists on October 7.
 “Yesterday was Yonati’s Hebrew birthday,” Samerano’s father Kobi stated. “On his 23rd birthday, on the very day he was born, our Yonati was rescued in a heroic operation by the brave soldiers of the IDF and the Shin Bet. From the first moment, I believed with all my heart that our army would bring back my son. I never stopped believing, and that’s exactly what happened.&#8221;
“Our hearts are with the Keidar, Samerano, and Levinson families today,” the Hostages Families Forum stated. “Alongside the grief and pain, their return provides some comfort to the families who have waited in agony, uncertainty, and doubt for 625 days. We wish to express our deep gratitude to the IDF and security forces who acted with dedication and courage. The return of all the hostages is an essential condition for the process of national healing and recovery.”
&#8220;Particularly against the backdrop of current military developments and the significant achievements in Iran, we want to emphasize that bringing back the remaining 50 hostages is the key to achieving complete Israeli victory. There is a historic window of opportunity—the significant regional achievements enable Israel to end the war from a position of clear strength. The return of all hostages through a comprehensive deal—this is in Israel&#8217;s interest, this is the next stage, and this is the victory of this war. There will be no victory until the last hostage returns,” the forum added.

Israeli-Hamas conflict

Israeli Forces Retrieve Bodies Of 3 Hostages Killed By Hamas

This Sunday marks my second Father’s Day without my son, Bar. It feels unthinkable to even write that sentence. And yet, it is true.
Over 617 agonizing days and sleepless nights have passed since I last held my son, heard his voice, or felt the warmth of his presence. Bar Kuperstein was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, at the Nova Music Festival, and has been held captive in Gaza ever since, under brutal, inhumane conditions. He is one of 55 hostages still held by Hamas.
This Father’s Day, like the last, arrives with a crushing weight. There is no hug. No smile. No message, no call, no card. Only aching emptiness and the harrowing silence of uncertainty, absence, and despair.
Bar is 23 years old. He is my firstborn, the eldest of five siblings. He is not just my son, he is my heart, my compass, my light. A gentle giant with a kind soul. On that horrific morning of October 7, while rockets flew and bullets tore through the sky at the Nova Music Festival, Bar did not flee. He stayed behind to help. He tended the wounded, calmed the frightened, and helped others escape. He insisted on staying with the injured, even as the gunfire drew closer.
He had a chance to run, but he didn’t take it. That’s who Bar is — brave, selfless, and good to his core.
<div id="attachment_913445" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-913445" class="size-large wp-image-913445" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/04/MixCollage-29-Apr-2025-10-42-AM-2184-1024x576.jpg" alt="Credit: Kupershtein family. Bar Kupershtein." width="1024" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/04/MixCollage-29-Apr-2025-10-42-AM-2184-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/04/MixCollage-29-Apr-2025-10-42-AM-2184-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/04/MixCollage-29-Apr-2025-10-42-AM-2184-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/04/MixCollage-29-Apr-2025-10-42-AM-2184-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/04/MixCollage-29-Apr-2025-10-42-AM-2184-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />Credit: Kupershtein family.</div>
Bar has always been strong. In 2019, I was severely injured in a car accident while rushing to resuscitate a four-year-old girl as a volunteer medic. I lost my ability to walk and speak. Bar immediately stepped into the space where I could no longer stand and became our family’s rock. At just 18, he helped raise his siblings, supported our home, and brought light into our lives despite the darkness.
But even a young man like Bar cannot survive forever in the darkness of underground tunnels, without food, water, or minimal humanitarian conditions.
Several months ago, we saw a Hamas propaganda video in which Bar appeared silent, frightened, thin and hollow-eyed. My son, the love of my life, buried alive. A survivor who continues to suffer.
Since Bar’s abduction, I’ve made it my mission to be his voice. I’ve spent the past year relearning how to speak — not for myself, but for Bar. Last month, I sat in my wheelchair at the Gaza border, near Kibbutz Nir Oz, and shouted through tears: “Bar! I am speaking again! You can come back!”
To all the fathers celebrating this weekend: I hope you hold your children tight. I hope you tell them how much they mean to you. Because there are fathers like me who can only dream of that embrace.
To the international community, I say this: The lives of our children cannot be negotiable. Their freedom cannot be delayed. We need the world’s moral courage now — to stand with the families of hostages and demand their safe return. Indifference is a form of complicity.
And especially to you, President Trump: you too are a father. You know what it means to protect your children, to love them beyond words. I plead with your heart: Please, help us end this nightmare. We believe you have the power. Help put an end to this war and the suffering on both sides. Use your influence, your strength, your voice — to bring back my son Bar, and the 54 other hostages still held in Gaza.
<div id="attachment_934375" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-934375" class="size-large wp-image-934375" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/06/GettyImages-2216851996-864x576.jpg" alt="TEL AVIV, ISRAEL - MAY 28: Barak Oz, the cousin of hostage Tel Kupershtein, hugs Bar's father, Tal Kupershtein, during a press conference with former hostages and families of hostages 600 days after the deadly Oct 7 Hamas attack, on May 28, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel. The event was attended by former hostages who were taken captive by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, as well as family members of current hostages. It is believed Hamas still holds 58 hostages who were among the roughly 250 people originally taken captive. Israel has continued its retaliatory war against in Gaza, where at least 53,000 people have been killed, according to the territory's health ministry. (Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images)" width="864" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/06/GettyImages-2216851996-864x576.jpg 864w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/06/GettyImages-2216851996-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/06/GettyImages-2216851996-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/06/GettyImages-2216851996.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" />Amir Levy/Getty Images</div>
No family should endure this. No child should be left to languish in darkness while the world moves on.
If Bar is freed, I will rise from this wheelchair. I will stand with every ounce of strength left in me and walk to him. I will wrap my arms around him and say, “Welcome home, son. You were never forgotten.”
Please bring back the happy in my Father’s Day. Bring back the sunshine of my life.
Bring Bar home. BRING HIM HOME NOW.
* * *
Tal Kupershtein is the father of Bar Kuperstein, who is held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

Tal Kupershtein

All I Want For Father’s Day Is My Son Back

Fathers

The Israel Defense Forces announced Wednesday that it recovered the bodies of two more Israeli hostages from Gaza.
The IDF announced that it recovered the body of 59-year-old Yair Yaakov from the Khan Yunis area of the Gaza Strip. The other hostage’s name has not yet been released.
Yaakov is believed to have been abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, by Islamic Jihad <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm263j1g2rmo">terrorists</a> and taken to Gaza, where his body has remained for over 600 days. In February 2024, the kibbutz announced that Yaakov had been murdered in captivity.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/american-hostage-edan-alexander-reunites-family?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=American+Hostage+Edan+Alexander+Reunites+With+Parents+After+584+Days+In+Hamas+Captivity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AMERICAN HOSTAGE EDAN ALEXANDER REUNITES WITH PARENTS AFTER 584 DAYS IN HAMAS CAPTIVITY</a>
His partner, Meirav Tal, and his children, Or and Yagil Yaakov—who were 12 and 16 at the time—were also taken, but were released in the November 2023 hostage agreement.
Three <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/idf-recovers-bodies-of-two-american-hostages-in-gaza?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=9&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=IDF+Recovers+Bodies+Of+Two+American+Hostages+In+Gaza">other bodies of hostages</a> were recovered in the past seven days, including Israeli-American couple Judith Weinstein-Haggai and Gadi Haggai, as well as Thai national Nattapong Pinta. The recoveries come as Israel and Hamas continue to negotiate a ceasefire, with Hamas using hostage bodies as a bargaining chip.
The body of the father of three was recovered by the IDF troops of the Southern Command and underwent an identification procedure by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in cooperation with the Israel Police, according to the IDF.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/internet-trolls-convince-themselves-that-video-of-gazans-cheering-u-s-aid-is-fake?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Internet+Trolls+Convince+Themselves+That+Video+Of+Gazans+Cheering+U.S.+Aid+Is+Fake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INTERNET TROLLS CONVINCE THEMSELVES THAT VIDEO OF GAZANS CHEERING U.S. AID IS FAKE</a>
“Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I convey our heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost what is dearest to them,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. “I thank the fighters and commanders for another successful operation in the sacred mission to return our hostages.”
The return of the two bodies brings the total number of hostages remaining in Gaza to 53.
“We will neither rest nor be silent until we return home all of our hostages – the living and the deceased,” Netanyahu added. 
About a quarter of Kibbutz Nir Oz’s 400 residents were murdered or taken hostage by terrorists on October 7.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/donald-trump-has-a-recommendation-for-greta-thunberg-after-her-selfie-flotilla?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=0&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Donald+Trump+Has+A+Recommendation+For+Greta+Thunberg+After+Her+%E2%80%98Selfie+Flotilla%E2%80%99" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DONALD TRUMP HAS A RECOMMENDATION FOR GRETA THUNBERG AFTER HER ‘SELFIE FLOTILLA’</a>
Yagil mourned his father <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKxVrbDojwt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading">on Instagram</a> on Wednesday.
 “I’m sad to say this – I’m already waiting for your funeral. I knew this day would come,” the teenager wrote. “Thank you to the IDF and <a href="https://www.jpost.com/tags/shin-bet">Shin Bet</a> forces for the rescue. I hope we get the rest in a deal that won’t put soldiers at risk.”
Yaakov’s daughter, Shir, 22, was reportedly saved by terrorists failing to break into her apartment in the kibbutz six times, <a href="https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-857411#google_vignette">reported The Jerusalem Post</a>.
Yaakov was described as a &#8220;humble, simple man, who loved his family and music” and worked in both agriculture and a Kibbutz Alumim garage, by Kibbutz Nir Oz.
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/gift/?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=wisepops&amp;utm_campaign=dad&amp;utm_content=fathersdaygiftpopups" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gift Dad an All Access Membership. Use code DAD40 at checkout to save 40%!</a>
&#8220;This is a much-needed closure, so that we can begin to look forward,&#8221; the Yaakov family said in a statement, reported The Jerusalem Post. &#8220;We thank from the bottom of our hearts the security forces and the brave soldiers who took part in the complex rescue operation. However, we reiterate our position &#8211; the lives of soldiers should not be at stake. The hostages must be returned in a deal that prevents further danger to the soldiers or the captives.&#8221;

Hostage And Missing Families Forum

IDF Recovers Bodies Of Two More Hostages In Gaza: ‘I’m Already Waiting For Your Funeral.’

The Israel Defense Forces recovered the bodies of two Israeli-Americans murdered by terrorists in an overnight mission in Gaza on Thursday.
Judith Weinstein-Haggai and Gadi Haggai were killed in Kibbutz Nir Oz while taking a morning walk on October 7, 2023, when terrorists began their massacre of Israeli civilians. The Palestinian Mujahideen terrorist organization took the elderly couple&#8217;s bodies and held them hostage for over 600 days.
According to the IDF, the Haggais&#8217; bodies were located and recovered from the area of Khan Yunis and underwent an identification procedure by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, the Israeli Police, and the IDF Manpower Directorate&#8217;s Hostage Task Force.
“Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I convey our heartfelt condolences to the dear families,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. “We will not rest, nor will we be silent, until we return home all of our hostages — the living and the deceased.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/american-hostage-edan-alexander-reunites-family?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=American+Hostage+Edan+Alexander+Reunites+With+Parents+After+584+Days+In+Hamas+Captivity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AMERICAN HOSTAGE EDAN ALEXANDER REUNITES WITH PARENTS AFTER 584 DAYS IN HAMAS CAPTIVITY</a>
The return of the Haggais’ bodies brings the total number of hostages remaining in Gaza to 56. The bodies of two Americans remain hostage in Gaza: 19-year-old Itay Chen and 22-year-old Omer Neutra.
“We welcome the closure that we have been granted and the return for burial of our loved ones, who went out for a walk on that Black Sabbath morning and never came back,&#8221; the Weinstein-Haggai family said in a statement. “However, our hearts will not be whole until all 12 hostages from Nir Oz and all 56 hostages in total are brought back.”
On the morning of the attack, the couple recorded a 40-second video of themselves taking shelter in a field as an alert system played a recorded warning, and shared it in a group chat.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/idf-says-prepared-deal-with-greta-thunbergs-flotilla-en-route-gaza?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=IDF+Says+It%E2%80%99s+%E2%80%98Prepared%E2%80%99+To+Deal+With+Greta+Thunberg%E2%80%99s+Flotilla+En+Route+To+Gaza" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IDF SAYS IT’S ‘PREPARED’ TO DEAL WITH GRETA THUNBERG’S FLOTILLA EN ROUTE TO GAZA</a>
“What did she say?” Weinstein asked, <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/kibbutz-says-gadi-haggai-abducted-oct-7-died-in-hamas-captivity-body-held-in-gaza/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Times of Israel</a> reported.
“Red alert,” Gadi responded.
Judith later called the emergency medical services, telling the dispatcher that her husband was “hit in the face” and killed.
“His face, parts of his brains are out of his — everything is covered with blood,” Judith said, adding that her husband was shot by terrorists and that she was sheltering under a tree in an unsafe place. Judith said she was also injured in the face and hand.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The IDF recovered the body of American Judith Weinstein-Haggai overnight.
Here’s her October 7 call to 911, describing her husband’s brains blown out by terrorists. She was wounded too, and the ambulance sent for her was reportedly hit by a rocket.
<a href="https://t.co/0iIfGPUf6e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pic.twitter.com/0iIfGPUf6e</a>
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) <a href="https://twitter.com/KassyAkiva/status/1930614394318172212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">June 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
The ambulance dispatched to assist Judith was hit by a rocket, according to her daughter, Iris Weinstein-Haggai.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/internet-trolls-convince-themselves-that-video-of-gazans-cheering-u-s-aid-is-fake?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Internet+Trolls+Convince+Themselves+That+Video+Of+Gazans+Cheering+U.S.+Aid+Is+Fake" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INTERNET TROLLS CONVINCE THEMSELVES THAT VIDEO OF GAZANS CHEERING U.S. AID IS FAKE</a>
About a quarter of Kibbutz Nir Oz’s 400 residents were murdered or taken hostage by terrorists on October 7.
Judith, 70, was a poet, retired teacher, and New York native who also held Canadian citizenship. Gadi, 72, was a retired chef and jazz musician. The couple is survived by four children and seven grandchildren.
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/gift/?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=wisepops&amp;utm_campaign=dad&amp;utm_content=fathersdaygiftpopups" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gift Dad an All Access Membership. Use code DAD40 at checkout to save 40%!</a>
A statement from the kibbutz described Judith and Gadi as the “power couple of Kibbutz Nir Oz” who fell in love when Judith heard Gadi playing the flute.
&#8220;They complete each other: he’s a goofball, just like a little kid, always dancing and laughing, while Judy is an English teacher, taking care of children, and sharing meditation and mindfulness techniques,&#8221; Kibbutz Nir Oz said.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters welcomed the return of the bodies of Judith and Gadi, saying that it “reminds us all that it is the state&#8217;s duty to bring everyone home, so that we, the families, together with all the people of Israel, can begin the process of healing and recovery.”

Judith Weinstein-Haggai and Gadi Haggai

IDF Recovers Bodies Of Two American Hostages In Gaza

Benjamin Netanyahu

Negotiations over hostages held by Hamas began again on Saturday between the terror group and Israel.
Talks renewed after a new offensive by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the Gaza Strip. Hamas official Taher al-Nono said that the latest negotiations have begun without “preconditions,” according to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-confirms-new-gaza-ceasefire-talks-with-israel-qatar-saturday-2025-05-17/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reuters</a>.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed negotiators to stay in Qatar. An Israeli official said the prime minister has kept contact with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff “in an effort to dissuade Hamas from its refusal and to advance a deal for the release of our hostages,” according to <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-hamas-say-gaza-talks-renewed-after-idf-initiates-major-new-offensive/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Times Of Israel</a>.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz suggested that the new round of talks is because of Israel’s latest offensive, which was announced on Saturday. Katz said that the terror group’s current stance on negotiations “is in contrast to the uncooperative position they had taken up until this moment,” according to <a href="https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-854313" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Jerusalem Post</a>.
Hamas last released a hostage on May 12. The terror group released the last living American citizen, Edan Alexander, from captivity after Alexander spent more than 18 months held hostage.
Israeli officials believe that the hostage group has as many as 23 hostages still alive. All but one of the hostages have been held by the terror group since October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists and Palestinians rushed across the border to Israel and attacked settlements and took hundreds captive.
Israel renewed its military campaign against Hamas on Saturday with airstrikes. It is unknown how many have been killed in the strikes. Hamas officials have claimed that more than 150 have died in the airstrikes, though the numbers are unreliable and Gaza Health Ministry data is <a href="https://www.thefp.com/p/why-we-shouldnt-trust-the-facts-coming" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suspected</a> of being inflated and doctored for propaganda purposes.
Katz said that the new offensive, dubbed Operation Gideon Chariots, is being led with “great force,” according to <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hamas-gaza-military-offensive-food-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CBS News</a>.
“The heroism of IDF soldiers, the unity of the people and the determination of the political echelon increase the chance of the return of the hostages – as it was then and as it is now,” said Katz.
IDF spokesman Col. Avichai Adraee said the Israeli military is “expanding and increasing the bombing and pressure on Hamas throughout the Strip – from north to south, above and below ground, and even outside the Strip.”
The new offensive will not stop until Israel has accomplished its aims of rescuing the hostages or having them returned, and until Hamas has been dismantled, military officials said.

Gaza City

Hamas Agrees To New Hostage Talks After Israel Pummels Terror Group In New Offensive

Global Politics

With tight hugs and tears, American-Israeli Edan Alexander was reunited with his parents today, ending 584 harrowing days in Hamas captivity.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
WATCH: Edan Alexander reuniting with his parents after being a hostage 584 days. <a href="https://t.co/ngvQGCZ2hL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pic.twitter.com/ngvQGCZ2hL</a>
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) <a href="https://twitter.com/KassyAkiva/status/1922014872272801991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">May 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
The 21-year-old greeted his parents at the Re’im base on the Gaza border. Before reaching his parents, he spoke to his mother on the phone alongside U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
&#8220;Edan?&#8221; His mom <a href="https://x.com/AvivaKlompas/status/1921991657160929426" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said screaming</a> in joy. &#8220;They just released a photo of you and you look unbelievable, wow. You look beautiful. I love you so much.&#8221;
Upon crossing into Israel in a convoy, Alexander was greeted by Israelis standing on the side of the road and cheering.
The rest of his family watched from a screen together at the hospital and were seen clapping as soon as Alexander was transferred to the Red Cross in Khan Younis by Hamas.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
The reaction of Edan Alexander’s family to his transfer to the Red Cross after 584 days in Hamas captivity. <a href="https://t.co/f5qAJ0en96" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pic.twitter.com/f5qAJ0en96</a>
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) <a href="https://twitter.com/KassyAkiva/status/1921961746090102852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">May 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
The former hostage was transported to the hospital to be reunited with other members of his family and to receive medical treatment.
Before Alexander&#8217;s release, his family said he may travel to Qatar to meet Trump this week, depending on his medical condition, <a href="https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/05/12/edan-alexanders-qatar-trip-depends-on-his-medical-condition/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported Israel Hayom</a>.
Alexander&#8217;s release was negotiated by <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-to-visit-saudi-arabia-qatar-and-uae-in-first-middle-east-trip-this-term?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=10&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Trump+To+Visit+Saudi+Arabia%2C+Qatar%2C+And+UAE+In+First+Middle+East+Trip+This+Term" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Trump administration</a> with Hamas not receiving any Arab prisoners in exchange, as it has in previous deals.
Edan Alexander was born in Rockville, Maryland, and later moved to New Jersey. He joined the Israel Defense Forces after high school and was taken captive during Hamas’ October 7 massacre while at a small outpost by Kibbutz Nir Oz.
Alexander is the first male IDF soldier abducted during Hamas’s October 7 massacre to be released.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/bruce-pearl-uses-final-four-spotlight-for-american-hostage-edan-alexander-nobody-knows-his-name" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BRUCE PEARL USES FINAL FOUR SPOTLIGHT FOR AMERICAN HOSTAGE EDAN ALEXANDER: ‘NOBODY KNOWS HIS NAME’</a>
Residents of his hometown of Tenafly, New Jersey <a href="https://x.com/jason_meister/status/1921880966735286306" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gathered early Monday</a> morning for several hours to await Alexander&#8217;s release. Alexander&#8217;s parents fought tirelessly for his release, meeting with world leaders, speaking at high-profile events, and constantly keeping his name in the media.
While preparing for his release, Yael Alexander traveled to the IDF’s Re’im base on the Gaza border to greet him as he arrived in Israel. His grandmother, Varda, prepared her grandson&#8217;s favorite dishes while taking questions from reporters.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/how-trump-and-rubio-put-america-first-in-100-days?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=How+Trump+And+Rubio+Put+America+First+In+100+Days" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HOW TRUMP AND RUBIO PUT AMERICA FIRST IN 100 DAYS</a>
In February on the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/father-of-american-held-by-hamas-adi-alexander-shares-sons-story-at-cpac" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CPAC stage</a>, Adi Alexander described his son as an “all-American kid.”
“He decided on a gap year to enlist in the IDF because of his love for both of his countries,” he said.
Adi said he has spoken to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-orders-humanitarian-aid-delivered-gaza?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=1&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Trump+Sends+Aid+To+Gaza.+Israel+Will+Not+Distribute+It." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trump</a> several times, who was shocked by the fact that 45 Americans were killed on October 7.
“Ever since we met him, he took ownership on this matter, recognizing that Americans are still being held,” he said. “We are very grateful for that but we have to push forward until they are all out.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Adi Alexander, the father of the last American believed to be alive in Hamas captivity, spoke about his son on <a href="https://twitter.com/CPAC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@CPAC</a>&#8216;s main stage today.
“Edan is an all-American kid,” Adi said. “He decided to take a gap year to enlist in the IDF because of his love for both of his countries.” <a href="https://t.co/oT6RMkfwom" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pic.twitter.com/oT6RMkfwom</a>
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) <a href="https://twitter.com/KassyAkiva/status/1892680023028486530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">February 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
Fifty-eight hostages remain in Gaza, including the bodies of four American citizens: Judith Weinstein Haggai, Gadi Haggai, Itay Chen, and Omer Neutra.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/marco-rubio-order-de-facto-palestinian-consulate-merge-with-israels-jerusalem-embassy?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=0&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Rubio+Orders+Palestinian+Affairs+Office+to+Fold+Into+Israel%E2%80%99s+Jerusalem+Embassy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RUBIO ORDERS PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS OFFICE TO FOLD INTO ISRAEL’S JERUSALEM EMBASSY</a>
On Monday, the Hostage and Missing Families Forum <a href="https://x.com/GLZRadio/status/1921936580270264453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1921936580270264453%7Ctwgr%5E8d1a0675a7c99f887c531ec23fb7b1fd0eb286e6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesofisrael.com%2Fliveblog-may-12-2025%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">published an ad</a> in the New York Post, pleading for the remaining hostages not to be forgotten and declaring that their “hope rests” with Trump.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said he hopes that “we’re going to have other hostages released.”
Trump added that with Alexander’s return, there are only 20 hostages believed to still be alive.
“I am relieved that American Edan Alexander finally gets to come home,” U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee <a href="https://x.com/USAmbIsrael/status/1921968132727488688" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted to X</a>. “As @POTUS said, we hope that this long-overdue release marks the beginning of the end to this terrible war. Hamas alone is responsible for the continued death and suffering. We demand the immediate release of all remaining hostages.”

Edan Alexander and parents

American Hostage Edan Alexander Reunites With Parents After 584 Days In Hamas Captivity

American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander was released on Monday after 584 days in Hamas captivity.
The 21-year-old’s release was negotiated by the Trump administration with Hamas not getting any Arab prisoners in exchange, as it has in previous deals.
Alexander was born in Rockville, Maryland, before moving to New Jersey. He joined the Israel Defense Forces after high school and was taken captive during Hamas’ October 7 massacre while at a small outpost by Kibbutz Nir Oz. He has been seen in Hamas propaganda videos, and is the first male IDF soldier abducted during Hamas’ October 7 massacre to be released.
Alexander&#8217;s parents fought tirelessly for his release, meeting with world leaders, speaking at high-profile events, and constantly keeping his name in the media.
While preparing for his release, Yael Alexander traveled to the IDF’s Re’im base on the Gaza border to greet him as he arrived in Israel. His grandmother, Varda, prepared her grandson&#8217;s favorite dishes while taking questions from reporters.
Alexander was handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross in Khan Younis without a public propaganda ceremony, which Hamas had done with other hostage handovers to humiliate them.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/bruce-pearl-uses-final-four-spotlight-for-american-hostage-edan-alexander-nobody-knows-his-name" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BRUCE PEARL USES FINAL FOUR SPOTLIGHT FOR AMERICAN HOSTAGE EDAN ALEXANDER: ‘NOBODY KNOWS HIS NAME’</a>
The Alexander family said that after Edan’s release, he may travel to Qatar to meet President Donald Trump this week, depending on his medical condition, <a href="https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/05/12/edan-alexanders-qatar-trip-depends-on-his-medical-condition/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Israel Hayom </a><a href="https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/05/12/edan-alexanders-qatar-trip-depends-on-his-medical-condition/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
In a February speech at <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/father-of-american-held-by-hamas-adi-alexander-shares-sons-story-at-cpac" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CPAC</a>, Adi Alexander described his son as an “all-American kid.”
“He decided on a gap year to enlist in the IDF because of his love for both of his countries,” he said.
Adi said he has spoken to Trump several times, and that the president was shocked by the fact that 45 Americans were killed on October 7.
“Ever since we met him, he took ownership on this matter, recognizing that Americans are still being held,” he said. “We are very grateful for that but we have to push forward until they are all out.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Adi Alexander, the father of the last American believed to be alive in Hamas captivity, spoke about his son on <a href="https://twitter.com/CPAC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@CPAC</a>&#8216;s main stage today.
“Edan is an all-American kid,” Adi said. “He decided to take a gap year to enlist in the IDF because of his love for both of his countries.” <a href="https://t.co/oT6RMkfwom" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pic.twitter.com/oT6RMkfwom</a>
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) <a href="https://twitter.com/KassyAkiva/status/1892680023028486530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">February 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
Fifty-eight hostages remain in Gaza, including the bodies of four American citizens: Judith Weinstein Haggai, Gadi Haggai, Itay Chen, and Omer Neutra.
On Monday, the Hostage and Missing Families Forum <a href="https://x.com/GLZRadio/status/1921936580270264453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1921936580270264453%7Ctwgr%5E8d1a0675a7c99f887c531ec23fb7b1fd0eb286e6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesofisrael.com%2Fliveblog-may-12-2025%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">published an ad</a> in the New York Post, pleading for the remaining hostages not to be forgotten and declaring that their “hope rests” with Trump.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said he hopes that “we’re going to have other hostages released.”
He added that with Alexander’s return, there are only 20 hostages believed to still be alive.
In a statement, Hamas said the move “affirms its readiness to immediately begin intensive negotiations” and is part of “the steps being taken toward a ceasefire, the opening of border crossings, and the entry of aid and relief for our people in the Gaza Strip.”
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/how-trump-and-rubio-put-america-first-in-100-days?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=How+Trump+And+Rubio+Put+America+First+In+100+Days" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HOW TRUMP AND RUBIO PUT AMERICA FIRST IN 100 DAYS</a>
Last week, Trump <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-orders-humanitarian-aid-delivered-gaza?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=1&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Trump+Sends+Aid+To+Gaza.+Israel+Will+Not+Distribute+It." target="_blank" rel="noopener">ordered a plan</a> for humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza in a way that attempts to keep the terror organization from stealing it. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced Trump’s aid plan on Friday, noting that private firms, not Israel, would be tasked with transporting and distributing the aid, but Israel would help with security.
“The Israelis are supportive of this program, they want it to happen, but they are not operating it,” Huckabee said. “That’s important because there are some entities that would not want to participate if they thought it was an IDF operation.”
Huckabee said that a top priority is implementing the plan in a way in which the terror organization does not profit as it has in the past from humanitarian aid.
“The next factor is that all of this be done in a way where Hamas cannot get its hands on it,” Huckabee said. “Nobody is interested in helping Hamas because Hamas has taken food that was intended to help very desperate citizens and stolen it from them, sold it on the black market, and then took the money to buy weaponry to murder more people.”
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/marco-rubio-order-de-facto-palestinian-consulate-merge-with-israels-jerusalem-embassy?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=0&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Rubio+Orders+Palestinian+Affairs+Office+to+Fold+Into+Israel%E2%80%99s+Jerusalem+Embassy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RUBIO ORDERS PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS OFFICE TO FOLD INTO ISRAEL’S JERUSALEM EMBASSY</a>
Last week, Israel approved an expanded ground operation plan that includes plans to conquer and retain more areas of the Gaza Strip. The plan, named “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” will go into effect if Hamas fails to make an agreement with Israel by the end of President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East this upcoming week, <a href="https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852712" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Jerusalem Post reported</a>.
Israel announced it will be sending a delegation to Qatar on Tuesday to negotiate a hostage deal.
Trump is <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-to-visit-saudi-arabia-qatar-and-uae-in-first-middle-east-trip-this-term?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=10&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Trump+To+Visit+Saudi+Arabia%2C+Qatar%2C+And+UAE+In+First+Middle+East+Trip+This+Term" target="_blank" rel="noopener">set to visit</a> Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 to 16, the second foreign trip of his second term.

Gqwv1mrWUAAxNCh (1)

BREAKING: Last Living American Hostage Edan Alexander Released Following Trump Admin Efforts

Hamas announced in a statement on Sunday that it plans to release American hostage <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/bruce-pearl-uses-final-four-spotlight-for-american-hostage-edan-alexander-nobody-knows-his-name" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Edan Alexander</a>.
According to the terrorist group, the 21-year-old dual Israeli-American citizen will be released as part of negotiations for a ceasefire.
&#8220;The movement has shown a high level of positivity, and the Israeli soldier with dual American citizenship, [Edan] Alexander, will be released as part of the steps being taken toward a ceasefire, the opening of border crossings, and the entry of aid and relief for our people in the Gaza Strip,” Hamas said in a statement.
Edan was born in Rockville, Maryland, before moving to New Jersey. He joined the Israeli Defense Forces after high school and was taken captive during Hamas’ October 7 massacre while at a small outpost by Kibbutz Nir Oz. He has been seen in Hamas propaganda videos.
Hamas added that Alexander’s release “affirms its readiness to immediately begin intensive negotiations” to bring the war to the end.
Hamas said that it hopes any final agreement influences a “mutually agreed-upon captive exchange, and ensures that the Gaza Strip is managed by an independent professional body.”
“This would guarantee long-term calm and stability, as well as reconstruction and the lifting of the blockade.”
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/how-trump-and-rubio-put-america-first-in-100-days?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=How+Trump+And+Rubio+Put+America+First+In+100+Days" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HOW TRUMP AND RUBIO PUT AMERICA FIRST IN 100 DAYS</a>
The statement did not specify when Alexander would be released, but the <a href="https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-853579" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jerusalem Post reported</a> that sources said the release may come in the next 48 hours.
President Trump posted on Truth Social confirming the upcoming release:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
President Trump confirms that Edan Alexander is going to be released by Hamas. <a href="https://t.co/WgjIOeTqSA">pic.twitter.com/WgjIOeTqSA</a>
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) <a href="https://twitter.com/yashar/status/1921696977135260110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
Alexander’s parents told Israel’s Channel 12 that they were aware of the announcement and have been updated by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
The White House hostage envoy has requested that Hamas also release the bodies of the four other American citizens it still holds.
The statement comes after <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-orders-humanitarian-aid-delivered-gaza?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=0&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Trump+Sends+Aid+To+Gaza.+Israel+Will+Not+Distribute+It." target="_blank" rel="noopener">President Donald Trump ordered</a> humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza in a way that attempts to keep the terror organization from stealing it.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/marco-rubio-order-de-facto-palestinian-consulate-merge-with-israels-jerusalem-embassy?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=0&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Rubio+Orders+Palestinian+Affairs+Office+to+Fold+Into+Israel%E2%80%99s+Jerusalem+Embassy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RUBIO ORDERS PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS OFFICE TO FOLD INTO ISRAEL’S JERUSALEM EMBASSY</a>
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced Trump’s aid plan on Friday, noting that private firms, not Israel, would be tasked with transporting and distributing the aid, but Israel would help with security.
“The Israelis are supportive of this program, they want it to happen, but they are not operating it,” Huckabee said. “That’s important because there are some entities that would not want to participate if they thought it was an IDF operation.”
Huckabee said that a top priority is implementing the plan in a way in which the terror organization does not profit as it has in the past from humanitarian aid.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-three-more-hostages-die-in-gaza-dropping-total-to-21-alive?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=3&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Trump%3A+Three+More+Hostages+Die+in+Gaza%2C+Dropping+Total+To+21+Alive" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TRUMP: THREE MORE HOSTAGES DIE IN GAZA, DROPPING TOTAL TO 21 ALIVE</a>
“The next factor is that all of this be done in a way where Hamas cannot get its hands on it,” Huckabee said. “Nobody is interested in helping Hamas because Hamas has taken food that was intended to help very desperate citizens and stolen it from them, sold it on the black market, and then took the money to buy weaponry to murder more people.”
Last week, Israel approved an expanded ground operation plan that includes plans to conquer and retain more areas of the Gaza Strip. The plan, named “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” will go into effect if Hamas fails to make an agreement with Israel by the end of President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East this upcoming week, <a href="https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-852712" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Jerusalem Post reported</a>.
Trump is <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-to-visit-saudi-arabia-qatar-and-uae-in-first-middle-east-trip-this-term?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=10&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Trump+To+Visit+Saudi+Arabia%2C+Qatar%2C+And+UAE+In+First+Middle+East+Trip+This+Term">set to visit</a> Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 to 16, the second foreign trip of his second term.

Donald Trump Visits Graves Of Influential Rebbes On October 7 Anniversary

Hamas Says It Will Release American Hostage Edan Alexander

Today is Mother’s Day. Around the world, children shower their mothers with flowers, cards, and celebrate cherished moments. But for me — and for the other mothers of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza — this day marks 582 days of a living nightmare that began on October 7.
I am the mother of Yonatan Samerano, a hostage. For us, time froze on October 7. For 582 days, every moment has been a blur of uncertainty, fear, and heartbreak. Every night, as parents tuck their children into bed, I lie awake, silently screaming into my pillow so I don’t wake anyone else. The weight on my chest never lifts.
Yonatan is a regular at the Nova music festival. He is vibrant, creative, full of life — &#8220;one big party,&#8221; as everyone who knows him would say. He fills every room with joy and helps countless artists in Tel Aviv&#8217;s music scene find their voice. His energy is magnetic, his spirit generous. He believes in people, in art, in freedom.
That morning at 6:29 a.m., when the rockets and sirens began, he and his friends jumped into their car to hurry home to safety. They were among the first to leave the festival grounds. A police officer directed them toward shelter in Kibbutz Be&#8217;eri, unaware they were driving straight into danger. Terrorists opened fire on their car and looters later dragged them from their vehicle.
A white Jeep then pulled up and two terrorists emerged from the vehicle. They picked up my wounded son from the pavement and placed him in the back of the Jeep, leaving his friends lifeless on the sidewalk.
The horror didn&#8217;t end with his capture. We were later forced to watch video footage of his capture. The video revealed that the man driving the Jeep was a social worker from UNRWA — an organization meant to provide humanitarian aid. He dragged my wounded son across the ground and threw him into a UN vehicle.
That’s how Yonatan was kidnapped and taken into Gaza.
I write this not just as a grieving mother, but as a witness to this unconscionable act. While others have received definitive news about their loved ones, we live in this cruel limbo — my son, shot and taken, is still in Gaza.
Every mother understands the fierceness of maternal love — but no mother should understand this pain. I wouldn’t wish even a single day of this uncertainty on any mother, anywhere. Each minute feels like an eternity.
Some mothers count the minutes until they’ll see their child again. I count minutes wondering if I’ll receive even the faintest sign that my son is still alive. Where is he? How are they treating him? Have they abandoned him? What has become of him? What remains of the beautiful soul I raised?
And yet the day passes, night falls again, and the cycle repeats — 582 days without a smile, without laughter, without any sense of life.
<div id="attachment_918277" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-918277" class="size-large wp-image-918277" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/05/GettyImages-2193968537-864x576.jpg" alt="Ayelet Samerano (R), mother of Yonathan Samerano held hostage, addresses a speech during a gathering to support the hostages held in the Gaza Strip since Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, in Paris on January 18, 2025. Israel's cabinet convened to vote on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal that should take effect this weekend, Israeli Prime Minister's office said. (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT / AFP) (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/AFP via Getty Images)" width="864" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/05/GettyImages-2193968537-864x576.jpg 864w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/05/GettyImages-2193968537-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/05/GettyImages-2193968537-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/05/GettyImages-2193968537.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" />GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/AFP via Getty Images</div>
The hostage release <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hamas-releases-six-hostages-as-first-phase-of-ceasefire-winds-down" target="_blank" rel="noopener">deal</a> in February of this year brought miraculous reunions for some families. I&#8217;ve watched mothers embrace their children after months of captivity, their faces transformed by joy. I replay those images in my mind, visualizing that moment with Yonatan to keep myself going.
Some parents of the 59 hostages still held by Hamas have succumbed to despair, seeing only darkness. I remind myself that hope is my greatest strength. It allows me to see possibilities where others cannot. Perhaps I&#8217;m not being realistic, but this hope sustains me and gives me the courage to face each day amid this chaos.
Hope is what propels me forward each morning. Yonatan gives me strength each day. He is my son, the most precious thing in my world, and I cannot surrender. I must rise, act, fight, and struggle — constantly thinking of new ideas that might help bring him home.
The last time I spoke with my son was the evening before October 7, when I dropped him off to meet his friends for the festival. That morning, when the first siren sounded, I tried desperately to reach him, but he didn&#8217;t answer.
Since then, we&#8217;ve experienced immense grief and longing. No words can express our feelings given the terrible uncertainty about our son&#8217;s condition. Our hearts break anew each day.
President Trump has made remarkable progress in bringing many hostages home. I urge him: Don&#8217;t stop — continue to do whatever is necessary to bring every last one home. The hostages have little time left to spare.
To mothers celebrating today with your children — treasure every moment. Hold them closer. Memorize the sound of their laughter. These are luxuries I dream of experiencing again.
And to my fellow mothers of hostages — I stand with you in our impossible vigil. We will continue to fight, to hope, to believe that our children will return.
Mother&#8217;s Day will truly arrive when we can hold our children again. Until then, we remain mothers in waiting, our hearts simultaneously broken, yet full of an unbreakable hope.
I carry Yonatan with me every moment — his endless magic, his beautiful spirit, his love of life. And I carry the hope that one day soon, all 59 hostages will return to their families&#8217; arms. That would be the greatest Mother&#8217;s Day gift of all.
* * *
Ayelet Samerano is the mother of Yonatan Samerano who was kidnapped and taken to Gaza by Hamas in an UNRWA vehicle on October 7, 2023.

Yonatan Samerano

582 Days Of Waiting: A Mother’s Day Without My Son

582 Days Of Waiting: A Mother's Day Without My Son

Mother

Mothers Day

UNRWA

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that three more hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have died, bringing the total number of living hostages down to 21.
“They said only 24 are living and I now correct, I say 21 because as of today it’s 21,” Trump said to reporters at the White House. “Three have died. So this is a terrible situation.”
Fifty-nine hostages, both living and deceased, remain in Gaza, according to official numbers.
“We’re trying to get the hostages out, we’ve gotten a lot of them out. As the expression goes, there are 21 plus a lot of dead bodies,” the president added.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/bruce-pearl-uses-final-four-spotlight-for-american-hostage-edan-alexander-nobody-knows-his-name?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Bruce+Pearl+Uses+Final+Four+Spotlight+For+American+Hostage+Edan+Alexander%3A+‘Nobody+Knows+His+Name’" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BRUCE PEARL USES FINAL FOUR SPOTLIGHT FOR AMERICAN HOSTAGE EDAN ALEXANDER: ‘NOBODY KNOWS HIS NAME’</a>
Trump did not clarify which hostages died, or if 21-year-old American citizen <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/father-of-american-held-by-hamas-adi-alexander-shares-sons-story-at-cpac" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Edan Alexander</a> is among them.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
NEW: Trump says that three more hostages held by terrorists in Gaza have died, bringing the total of living hostages down to 21 out of 59. <a href="https://t.co/cy13oI73dt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pic.twitter.com/cy13oI73dt</a>
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) <a href="https://twitter.com/KassyAkiva/status/1919885109018181725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
&#8220;These are young people, and young people don&#8217;t die,” Trump added. “Old people die, but young people don&#8217;t die under these conditions.&#8221;
The Israeli government has not yet confirmed Trump’s claim, though <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/shocked-by-tariffs-on-israel-netanyahu-heads-to-white-house-to-negotiate-with-trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>’s wife Sara told reporters the number was less than 24, <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/trump-reveals-that-number-of-living-hostages-has-dropped-from-24-to-21/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Times of Israel </a><a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/trump-reveals-that-number-of-living-hostages-has-dropped-from-24-to-21/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/how-trump-and-rubio-put-america-first-in-100-days?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=4&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=How+Trump+And+Rubio+Put+America+First+In+100+Days" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HOW TRUMP AND RUBIO PUT AMERICA FIRST IN 100 DAYS</a>
Trump made the comment during the official swearing-in of Steve Witkoff as U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East. Witkoff has been tasked with negotiating a ceasefire and hostage deal between Hamas and Israel.
On Sunday, Israel’s Security Cabinet <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/israel-greenlights-major-operation-conquer-occupy-gaza-strip?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=4&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Israel+Greenlights+Operation+To+Occupy+Gaza+Strip+If+Hamas+Doesn%E2%80%99t+Make+Deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved a plan</a> to invade and occupy the Gaza Strip in an expanded ground operation.
The plan, named “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” will go into effect if Hamas fails to reach an agreement with Israel by the end of President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East next week.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said military action would be intensified during the operation which he believes will help rescue the hostages.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/marco-rubio-order-de-facto-palestinian-consulate-merge-with-israels-jerusalem-embassy?author=Kassy+Akiva&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=0&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Rubio+Orders+Palestinian+Affairs+Office+to+Fold+Into+Israel’s+Jerusalem+Embassy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RUBIO ORDERS PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS OFFICE TO FOLD INTO ISRAEL’S JERUSALEM EMBASSY</a>
“We decided on intensified action in Gaza,” Netanyahu said. “That was the IDF chief of staff’s recommendation — to move, as he said, toward the defeat of Hamas. He believes this will also help us rescue the hostages. I agree with him.”
Tens of thousands of IDF reservists are expected to be called up to help with the operation, which is reportedly one of the largest since the war began in October 2023.

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