Secretary Rubio commits to carrying hostage families’ concerns during Israel visit

Families of hostages and survivors of Hamas captivity met on September 12 in Washington, D.C. with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of his upcoming trip to Israel.

During the meeting, the families and survivors presented Secretary Rubio with a letter requesting that he meet with hostage families during his visit, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

They emphasised that after 707 days in captivity, only a negotiated agreement can guarantee the safe return of all 48 hostages.

According to a statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters, Secretary Rubio reaffirmed his commitment to securing the release of all hostages and reassured the families that the US administration is working diligently to achieve their safe return.

He stressed that the hostages remain central to US efforts in the Middle East and an essential part of any resolution. Rubio also pledged to carry the families’ concerns with him to Israel and noted that the US will be consulting with Qatari officials to discuss recent developments and their implications for advancing a deal.

Participants in the meeting included Raz and Ohad Ben Ami, survivors of Hamas captivity; Orna and Ronen Neutra, parents of Omer Neutra; Moshe Lavi, brother-in-law of Omri Miran; Yeela and Ilay David, siblings of Evyatar David; Ruby and Hagit Chen, parents of Itay Chen; and Tzur Goldin, brother of Hadar Goldin.

Earlier this week, families of hostages and captivity survivors also met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. During that session, President Trump reiterated his commitment to the hostages’ release, emphasising that his administration is working intensively to secure their freedom.

He highlighted the importance of bringing together his senior leadership team to meet the families, demonstrating that the US government remains fully dedicated to bringing all hostages home.

By Tamilla Hasanova