Former President Donald Trump made a strong commitment to secure the release of all remaining captives from Hamas during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington on Thursday, with some families of the hostages present. Trump noted that "innocent civilians [that were] attacked on October 7 were targeted for one reason because they were Jews they were murdered and kidnapped because of their faith and these events remind us of how blessed we are to live in a nation that has thrived for two and a half centuries as a haven of religious freedom."
"We are joined today by several brave families whose loved ones were taken hostage during the horrible Oct 7 attack. We are keeping you in our hearts and our prayers. As president, I will not rest until every last hostage is returned," Trump said.
Among those present at the meeting was Noa Argamani, who was rescued in a daring IDF raid in the summer. "Noa survived the unbelievable and returned by the grace of God – she is an inspiration to everyone," Trump said."Noa showed unwavering strength courage and Faith as she endured the unendurable what she went through, but by the grace of God she was rescued by the Israeli Defense Forces, and now she's come back to pray with us this morning."
The meeting comes just days after Trump vowed to let Israel obtain its objectives in the ongoing war with Hamas and even said that the US would "take over" Gaza after the Palestinians leave it so that it could be rebuilt. This has had a ripple effect around the world, with Trump doubling down on the Gazan emigration scheme on Wednesday, saying that Israel would hand over the territory to the US after the fighting concludes.
