US President Donald Trump hosted almost all the hostages freed by Hamas in the past month. Their release came under the Gaza ceasefire deal he brokered in October.
Trump met the former captives and their families at the White House. He praised them and said, “You’re not a hostage anymore… today you’re heroes.”
Freed Hostages Meet the President
The group included 26 former hostages. Seventeen of them were among the 20 living captives released in the deal. Trump made a special mention of Matan Angrest, an Israel Defense Force (IDF) soldier.
“Matan never broke, and today he’s a living testimony to the toughness, heart, and faith of the Jewish people. I’m telling you, you’re a great inspiration to everybody,” Trump said.
Trump gave each former hostage a presidential coin. The freed captives gave him gifts to show their gratitude.
Hostages Thank Trump for Securing Release
Before the meeting, several hostages said they wanted to thank Trump for helping free them. They also urged him to keep pressuring Hamas to return the remains of the three hostages who died in captivity.
Trump assured them of his support. “It’s an honor to get to know all of you. I know some of you already. I know some of the previous hostages that we got out very well. We love you all, and our country loves you all… you’re amazing people,” he said.
President Donald J. Trump hosts freed Israeli hostages at the White House. 🇺🇸💛
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 20, 2025
“You’re not a hostage anymore—today you’re HEROES.” pic.twitter.com/v0RstOuulb
Israel Resumes Strikes in Gaza
Meanwhile, the conflict in Gaza intensified again. Health officials in Gaza said new Israeli air strikes killed five people on Thursday. The strikes came just a day after one of the deadliest incidents since the ceasefire began on October 10.
Israel also launched attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon despite the near year-long truce there.
Qatar, a key mediator, condemned the renewed attacks. It called the strikes “a dangerous escalation that threatens to undermine the ceasefire agreement.”