Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the U.S. Independence Day reception, known as the annual “Fourth of July” celebration, hosted by Newsmax, in Jerusalem August 13, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/Pool/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab

Sept 24 (Reuters) – Israel’s prime minister told the family of Alon Ohel, a hostage still held in Gaza, that there was a combined military-diplomatic effort that was being continuously pursued to defeat Hamas and bring back all hostages, his office said in a statement on Wednesday.

Kobi Ohel, the hostages father, said in a statement that he and his wife expect Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will return from his trip to the United States with “news that all the people of Israel are waiting for”.

Netanyahu is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday during a U.S. trip at which he is also scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss the hostage release.

“His trip is a moment for all the cabinet ministers to give (Netanyahu) the backing and the strength so that he will act to secure the release of Alon and all the hostages,” added Ohel in a statement released by the Hostages Families Forum, which represents the families of most Israeli captives held in Gaza.

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Suggested Topics:

Read Next

ANALYSIS US allies’ embrace of Palestinian statehood tests Trump’s Israel policy

U.S. President Donald Trump has presented leaders from several Muslim-majority countries with a 21-point plan peace plan for the Middle East and Gaza, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Wednesday, adding that he is confident of “some sort of breakthrough” in the coming days.

Site Index

About Reuters

Stay Informed

Information you can trust

Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the world’s largest multimedia news provider, reaching billions of people worldwide every day. Reuters provides business, financial, national and international news to professionals via desktop terminals, the world’s media organizations, industry events and directly to consumers.

Read More