Confidence in Recovering Hostage Remains
In Washington, President Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed his strong belief on Thursday that the remains of all Israeli hostages will eventually be returned from Gaza. He anticipates a notable expansion of the Abraham Accords, following the ceasefire he played a role in brokering with Hamas.
“We’ve managed to recover 10 cases so far, and we’re committed to retrieving the rest until every deceased individual is brought home,” Witkoff stated during a speech at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Working alongside Jared Kushner, Witkoff helped facilitate an agreement on Monday to stop the fighting and ensure the release of all 20 surviving hostages. He emphasized the importance of families having the right to bury their loved ones, noting that the U.S. is engaged in efforts to secure the release of “all bodies” of Israelis.
According to U.S. officials on Wednesday, a Turkish team skilled in body recovery post-earthquakes will collaborate with Israeli intelligence to assist in this process.
“If America stands firm and clear, peace is bound to follow, leading to a safer world for generations,” Witkoff remarked. The event gathered around 20 Holocaust survivors, former hostages from the Nova Music Festival, and Israeli soldiers involved in the response to the unexpected Hamas strike on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities.
Looking ahead, Witkoff reiterated his commitment to fostering the trust and mutual respect established by President Trump between Israel and its Arab neighbors, aiming to significantly expand the Abraham Accords. “I’ve been to Gaza multiple times, and whenever I wear a black MAGA hat, people from the Gaza side approach me seeking peace,” he shared.
He added that Gazans desire stability and opportunities for better lives for their children.
Witkoff highlighted that the transition for Gazans post-conflict needs to focus on “aspirations” rather than just arms and violence, emphasizing the importance of jobs, education, and hope to restore dignity to those suffering.
He underscored the necessity of disarming Hamas, stating, “They have no future in Gaza.” This point remains unresolved in President Trump’s 20-point peace plan, especially after the President recently threatened sanctions against other nations for continuing retaliatory actions against Hamas members.
The event served as a commemoration of the second anniversary of the October 7 massacre and was partially organized by Witkoff’s son, Alex, who has been appointed by President Trump to the U.S. Holocaust Remembrance Council.
A billionaire businessman with a history of involvement in international negotiations, including efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Witkoff shared that his motivations are deeply personal. “Every time I encounter a hostage family, it brings back memories of my son, Andrew, who passed away too soon. Their pain resonates with me. From this pain stems my determination to ensure that no other family faces such suffering alone,” he reflected.
“This sense of shared humanity, of transforming grief into action, drives me forward in every endeavor.”
