U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the release of Sagui Dekel Chen and two other hostages who had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza for nearly 500 days. Their long-awaited return marks a significant development in ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages.
President Trump’s Commitment to Bringing Americans Home
Secretary Rubio emphasized that the release was a direct result of President Donald Trump’s unwavering commitment to bringing American citizens home.
“President Trump keeps delivering on his promise,” Rubio stated. “We are grateful that Sagui Dekel Chen and two others have been freed from the horrific conditions of Hamas captivity. They are now safe and back with their families, where they belong.”
73 Hostages Still Held by Hamas
Despite this breakthrough, 73 hostages remain in Hamas custody, including Edan Alexander, a New Jersey native, as well as the remains of four Americans murdered in Gaza.
“The fact that these terrorists continue to hold innocent people and even refuse to return the bodies of those they murdered is a testament to their barbaric and depraved nature,” Rubio said. “This is unacceptable, and the world must not stand by in silence.”
A Call for International Pressure on Hamas
Rubio urged U.S. allies and partners to apply maximum pressure on Hamas leadership, stressing that their actions are pushing the region toward further conflict.
“Hamas is playing with fire,” he warned. “We call on all responsible nations to demand the immediate and unconditional release of every hostage. These crimes against humanity must end.”
Continued U.S. Efforts to Secure Full Release
The United States remains fully engaged in diplomatic, intelligence, and operational efforts to ensure that every hostage still in Gaza is safely returned. The Biden administration’s failures in past negotiations, Rubio noted, had left dangerous gaps that President Trump’s administration is now working to close with urgency and strength.
“We will not stop, we will not rest, and we will not negotiate from a position of weakness,” Rubio concluded. “Every hostage must come home. Now.”
As tensions in the region continue, the U.S. government vows to hold Hamas accountable for its actions and to work with global partners to end hostage-taking as a tool of terror.