U.S. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt met with a group of recently released Israeli hostages in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, praising their courage and resilience while reaffirming the Trump administration’s efforts to secure the release of those still held by Hamas in Gaza.
“It was my honor to meet with another group of brave released hostages from Gaza,” Leavitt posted on social media.
It was my honor to meet with another group of brave released hostages from Gaza.
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) July 3, 2025
The horrors they faced while in Hamas captivity are unimaginable, but their strength, and their faith in God through it all, is beyond inspiring.
President Trump is working hard to end this… pic.twitter.com/HLLWSBOMSw
“The horrors they faced while in Hamas captivity are unimaginable, but their strength, and their faith in God through it all, is beyond inspiring.”
She added that U.S. President Donald Trump remains focused on ending the war and bringing all remaining hostages home.
The meeting came as part of a broader push by U.S. officials to maintain pressure on Hamas and support ongoing negotiations.
In late June, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also held discussions with families of captives, reiterating the administration’s “unwavering commitment” to securing the release of all 50 known hostages.
Rubio stressed that Israel, bolstered by recent operations in Iran and Lebanon, is still in a strong position to defeat Hamas. “True victory in Gaza will only be realized when all the hostages return home,” he said.
Among the family members present for the meeting with Rubio were Tzur Goldin, brother of Israel Defense Forces Lt. Hadar Goldin, whose body has been held by Hamas since 2014, and recently released hostage Iair Horn, representing his brother, Eitan, who is still being held captive in Gaza.
Meeting at the White House with a group of Oct 7 hostages. pic.twitter.com/rAlbxPwFyi
— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) July 2, 2025
Goldin expressed gratitude to the administration, thanking Rubio, Leavitt, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as well as U.S. special envoy Adam Boehler. “Your leadership gives us hope,” he said. “Let’s seize this moment to bring Hadar home, along with all the hostages.”
Trump, who was set to meet with former hostage Edan Alexander at the White House on Thursday, indicated that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas could be imminent, saying, “I think it’s close,” and suggesting a deal could be reached within the week.
Meanwhile, Qatari officials have said efforts were underway to use the momentum from the recent ceasefire with Iran to help broker a broader truce in Gaza.
