The U.S. State Department held a flag-raising ceremony on Thursday to honor and reaffirm their commitment to securing the return of American citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been wrongfully detained or taken hostage abroad. The ceremony, held at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, was a powerful reminder of the government’s unwavering dedication to bringing home all Americans who have been held against their will.
During the ceremony, Adam Boehler, President Donald Trump’s special envoy for hostages, stated that the government’s policies are solely focused on bringing Americans home. He also hinted at upcoming announcements regarding the release of hostages, without providing further details.
A spokesperson for the State Department reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing home all Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas. This includes the Americans and other hostages currently being held by Hamas in Gaza. The spokesperson also mentioned that efforts to secure their release are ongoing and sensitive, and there are no meetings or updates to announce at this time.
March 9 marked 18 years since former FBI agent Robert Levinson was abducted in Iran. In recognition of this, Congress, with bipartisan support, designated the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. This flag serves as a symbol of hope and solidarity for all those who have been taken against their will.
FBI Director Kash Patel also spoke at the ceremony, stating that the government is determined to “zero out” all hostage cases and wrongful detentions. He emphasized the importance of repatriating the remains of those who could not be brought home, through diplomatic and intelligence efforts.
The ceremony was held a day after President Trump welcomed eight former hostages who had been held by U.S.-designated terror group Hamas to the White House. This was a powerful moment, showcasing the government’s success in bringing Americans home and reuniting them with their loved ones.
In a significant development, the White House confirmed that U.S. officials have engaged in direct discussions with Hamas in Doha, Qatar. This marks the first known direct engagement between the United States and Hamas since the State Department designated the group as a foreign terrorist organization in 1997.
The talks, led by Adam Boehler, were focused on securing the release of U.S. hostages and exploring a potential end to the conflict in Gaza without Hamas in power. This is a significant step towards achieving peace and bringing home all Americans who are still being held captive.
Among the hostages still held by Hamas, five are U.S. citizens, including 21-year-old Edan Alexander, who is believed to be the last American-Israeli hostage still alive in Gaza. His mother, Yael Alexander, recently spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action to bring her son and the other hostages home.
“We are now in Phase 2. We don’t see it as a phase, but as the way to bring our son home. It doesn’t matter what you call it; what matters is that there is an agreement to bring the remaining hostages home as soon as possible,” she said.
This week, Israeli officials announced that they are ready to move forward with the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal, provided that Hamas agrees to release more of the 59 hostages it is still holding. This is a positive development and a step towards achieving peace and bringing home all Americans who are still being held captive.
The U.S. government’s commitment to securing the release of American hostages and wrongful detainees is unwavering. The flag-raising ceremony and the ongoing efforts to engage with Hamas are a testament to this dedication. As we mark 18 years since Robert Levinson’s abduction, we stand in solidarity with all the families who are still waiting for their loved ones to come home. We hope that with continued efforts and cooperation, all Americans will soon be reunited with their families and loved ones.
