US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a statement following the recovery of two American hostages, Judy Weinstein and Gad Haggai, who were kidnapped on October 7. The bodies of the pair, who were murdered by Hamas terrorists, have now been recovered by Israeli forces.
Mr. Rubio expressed his condolences to the Weinstein-Haggai family and all families of hostages still separated from their loved ones. However, he noted that the recovery brings a stark reminder of the ongoing plight of 56 families whose loved ones remain held captive by Hamas in Gaza, including Americans Omer Neutra and Itay Chen.
The Secretary's comments highlight the enduring issue of hostage taking and wrongful detentions, as well as the broader problem of human trafficking and illicit activities in the region. Mr. Rubio emphasized that all hostages must be released immediately, underscoring the need for action to address these grave concerns.
As details surrounding the recovery operation are still emerging, Mr. Rubio's statement serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of upholding human rights and dignity. The US government will continue to work towards securing the safe release of all hostages held by terrorist organizations in the region.