Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with families of Israeli hostages in Washington, D.C. during his visit to the United States. The families urged Netanyahu to mention the eight Americans still held hostage in Gaza during his speech to Congress. They expect him to announce a deal that would return the hostages in exchange for a ceasefire, which has been the subject of negotiations for months.
Netanyahu expressed optimism about the conditions for a deal coming together, despite his previous opposition to a deal that permanently ends war. The weakened state of Hamas and the prioritization of a hostage deal by U.S. officials have increased the likelihood of a resolution. President Joe Biden has pledged to end the Gaza war and bring the hostages home before the end of his term.
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have met with hostage families in the past. The families also met with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who emphasized the need for agreement from both Israel and Hamas for a deal to be reached.
Netanyahu’s visit coincided with Israel confirming the deaths of two hostages in Gaza. The hostages include Americans such as Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Keith Siegel, and Edan Alexander. Polls show that a majority of Israelis support a hostage deal, even if it means pausing or ending the war against Hamas. However, some religious Zionist rabbis have urged against a ceasefire, citing risks to Jewish life.
The situation remains complex, with ongoing negotiations and differing opinions on the best course of action moving forward.
Jonathan Polin, 53, from left, Rachel Goldberg, 53, recount their last interactions with their missing son Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, who went missing after Hamas launched a surprise attack and breached Israeli borders, taking hostages, while family members and friends show up to support them at their home in Jerusalem, Oct. 10, 2023. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)