Two years after Hamas attack, Trump welcomes freed hostage and the family of a slain soldier

President Donald Trump met with Edan Alexander, a young American-Israeli released after nearly two years in captivity by Hamas, and with the relatives of Omer Neutra, a dual citizen soldier who died during the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack, this Tuesday in the Oval Office.

The meeting coincides with the second anniversary of the attack, in which more than 1,200 Israelis were killed and at least 251 people were kidnapped. Neutra's body still remains in Gaza, the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed in a post on X.

A meeting marked by remembrance and the promise of peace

During the meeting, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to achieving the release of all hostages who remain held by Hamas. "President Trump is committed to bringing every hostage home," the White House noted. Israeli intelligence estimates that at least 20 people are still alive in Gaza, while the bodies of about 25 more remain withheld.

As reported by journalist Neria Kraus, Trump expressed confidence that a peace agreement could be reached in a matter of days. The president is pushing a plan that seeks to end the war in Gaza, secure the release of captives and establish an international coalition to take over the administration of the strip. The negotiations, involving Israel, the United States and regional mediators, are in their final stages.

Stories of two American-Israelis

Edan Alexander, 21, grew up in New Jersey and moved to Israel after graduating from high school. Serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), he was captured by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack and held hostage for 19 months until his release in May of this year.

Trump had already spoken to Alexander by phone after his rescue and first received him at the White House in July. On that occasion, the young man expressed his gratitude, saying, "I came to thank the person responsible for saving my life." Alexander has announced that he plans to rejoin the IDF in the coming weeks and reiterated his desire to return to serve alongside his fellow soldiers.

Omer Neutra, a U.S. and Israeli citizen, grew up on Long Island and was a tank commander in the Israeli army when he was killed during the Hamas attack. His family has kept alive the demand to recover his body so that he can be given a burial in Israel.