Expressing support for Trump, Hostages Forum says halt to Israeli strikes will prevent harm to captives

The relatives of hostages express support for US President Donald Trump after he called for Israel to halt its strikes in Gaza “so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly.”

Ronen Neutra, the father of slain American-Israeli hostage soldier Cpt. Omer Maxim Neutra, hails Trump’s statement as “a brave move of leadership,” saying he hopes it “will lead to swift release of our son and the other 47 hostages and that the government of Israel and Hamas leadership won’t find a way to thwart it.”

The father of slain captive Sgt. Itay Chen, like Neutra a dual US-Israeli citizen who was killed during the Hamas onslaught nearly two years, says he is cautiously optimistic.

“I support President Trump’s statement on stopping the Israeli strikes to exhaust the opportunity to release all the hostages,” says Ruby Chen. “My family has been waiting two years for the return of my son, an Israeli hero. President Trump gives me hope that the day we unite with Itay is close.”

Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, shares Trump’s statement in a post on X, writing, “did you read it Netanyahu?”

The Hostages Families Forum also releases a statement declaring it “stands firmly with President Trump in his commitment to bring home all the hostages and end the war.”

“President Trump’s demand to stop the war immediately is essential to prevent serious and irreversible harm to the hostages,” it says. “We call on Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately begin efficient and swift negotiations to bring all our hostages home.”