Former hostages and the widow of an Israeli hostage who was killed in captivity appealed to US President Donald Trump in a video in English published on Thursday to support a comprehensive deal to end the Israel-Hamas War and secure the release of the 50 hostages still held by the terrorist group.
The video, published by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, featured six survivors of captivity: Naama Levy, Ohad Ben Ami, Doron Steinbrecher, Sasha Troufanov, Arbel Yehoud, and Iair Horn, alongside Michal Lobanov, whose husband, Alexander Lobanov, was killed by Hamas in August.
They thanked Trump for his role in bringing home 39 hostages, calling on him to act again. Several also said that the current expansion of the military campaign poses a direct threat to those still in captivity.
“We are here today because you chose to act,” Levy said.
Ben Ami described his time underground in Gaza. “It means endless hunger, constant fear, and darkness. Every day is a fight to stay alive.”
Steinbrecher recalled moments of panic during her captivity.
“I remember hearing an explosion above my head and praying they wouldn’t get too close,” she said. “Every sound made my heart stop.”
Troufanov said that continued fighting risks the lives of hostages. “Every bullet, every strike, could be the one that ends their life.”
Yehoud, whose partner is still held in Gaza, said she dreams of the day they are reunited. “Every single one needs to come back home,” she said.
Widow of Alexander Lobanov warns of dangers of continued of IDF activity
Lobanov, whose husband was one of six hostages executed by Hamas last August, said her husband died after military pressure intensified. “He came back to me in a coffin,” she said. “President Trump, please act now before it’s too late for them, too."
Horn said Trump still has the opportunity to change the course of the conflict. “You have the power to make history, to be the president of peace, the one who ended the war, ended the suffering, and brought every hostage home, including my little brother.”
The video ended with all seven speakers chanting, “Bring them home. Bring them home. Bring them home,” before Levy added, “Seal the deal.”