A Heartfelt Request to You, President-Elect Trump: Make the Hostage Release Deal That Will Bring the Hostages Home to Their Families
As the great-aunt of Abigail Mor Edan, whose parents were murdered in front of her by Hamas terrorists, I am writing to you, President-elect Trump, with a heartfelt request. Abigail’s release from Hamas captivity was a breath of fresh air, and millions of people experienced the profound relief and gratitude that our family felt watching her and 104 children and women be freed.
The hostage release and cease-fire deal that saved over a hundred innocent lives was the result of intensive American-led diplomacy at its best. The agreement showed how the United States could guide two implacable enemies towards a narrow sliver of consensus in the midst of a war to rescue people cruelly stolen by a terrorist organization.
Abigail turned out to be one of the lucky ones, but November 2023 was the last negotiated large-scale release. Since December, mediators have been unable to get another deal through. It is a difficult deal to make; Hamas has made it clear that they will not release any more hostages in exchange for anything less than allowing them to remain in power and the full withdrawal of the Israeli army.
The Israeli government, despite overwhelming support from the Israeli populace to end the war and prioritize the lives of the hostages, insists on continuing to pursue an unwinnable war. After over a year of fighting, Hamas’ abilities have been all but decimated. It is unclear how long it will take to fully remove them, and likely cannot be done without alternative leadership. Hamas can be dealt with at any point; the hostages cannot wait. For tens of hostages who have been killed in captivity, it is already too late.
In the midst of tragedy, trauma, and stalemate, I have a major reason for optimism: your election. As the legendary dealmaker, Donald Trump, you are in a unique position to make a critical, impressive deal now, two months before you return to the White House. You enjoy a remarkably close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and can leverage that to influence the implacable Hamas.
As the remaining hostages are held in unimaginable conditions in dark and cramped underground tunnels, with severely malnutrition, I implore you, President-elect Trump, to take action now and help make the hostage release deal that has not succeeded for a year. You have the power to show the world what American diplomatic and moral commitment can accomplish with strong leadership. Please take action now and help make the hostage release deal that will bring the hostages home to their families.