Hostage families demanded that US President Donald Trump facilitate another deal to release their loved ones from captivity at a Washington rally, insisting Trump could ride on the recent success in brokering an Iran-Israel ceasefire.

"Trump - you have achieved a tremendous achievement in Iran,” the families said. “Hamas is weak - take advantage of this historic moment to bring all 50 hostages home."

Outside Congress, the families distributed flyers wth the faces of the remaining 50 hostages to over 150 lawmakers.

Liran Berman, brother of hostages Gali and Ziv Berman held by Hamas in Gaza, speaks during a press conference in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 19, 2025 on the eve of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration
Liran Berman, brother of hostages Gali and Ziv Berman held by Hamas in Gaza, speaks during a press conference in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 19, 2025 on the eve of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration (credit: Stephani Spindel/Reuters)

A new ceasefire deal

The Hostage Families Forum later said in a statement,  “The ceasefire agreement must expand to include Gaza; we call on the government to engage in urgent negotiations that will bring home all the hostages and end the war. Those who can achieve a ceasefire with Iran can also end the war in Gaza.”

The comments came after the US brokered a deal between Iran and Israel to end the 12 days of conflict.

In May, the US brokered the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander outside of a ceasefire deal.