Hoyer Statement on Returning Remaining Hostages Held by Hamas
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today to urge President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and White House Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to apply pressure on Hamas to return all remaining hostages, prioritizing American citizens Itay Chen and Omer Neutra:
"As we build on the progress we made with the first stage of the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, I urge President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to keep applying pressure to fulfill the deal's terms to return the remains of the deceased hostages still held in Gaza – especially the two Americans among them, Itay Chen and Omer Neutra.
“I have become friends with Itay's parents, Ruby and Hagit, over the past two years. When I met them for the first time, I promised them that America would do everything it could to bring their son home. Last year, when we learned the tragic news that Hamas had murdered Itay on October 7, I told the Chen's that our commitment had not changed: we will bring Itay's remains home so they can sit shiva and put him to rest. I made the same promise to Omer's family, whom I saw again only a few days ago. America must honor that sacred duty to bring these two young men home.
"Hamas kidnapped dual citizens from over 30 countries during its terrorist attack on October 7. Most of those nations have received the remains of their citizens back from Hamas. Today, only the United States, Thailand, and Tanzania await the return of their slain nationals' remains from Gaza. The nightmare that these families have been living through for 740 days cannot end until their loved ones are brought home. I call on Hamas to fulfill the terms of the deal and release these hostages immediately. I urge the Trump Administration and our Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries to do everything in their power to achieve that end. I wish strength to the Chen's, the Neutra's, and all those who continue to wait in agony for their loved one's return. Know that our promise is unwavering: we will bring every last hostage home."