President Donald Trump and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff meet with freed Israeli hostages in the oval office at the White house on Sept. 10, 2025. Courtesy of the White House
Special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Jan. 15 that President Donald Trump was visibly emotional when the Israeli hostages, who were released by Hamas following the cease-fire in Gaza, visited the White House last year.
Speaking at the Israeli–American Council National Summit in Florida, Witkoff reflected on his work in securing the release of hostages kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist group during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, saying the moment was “deeply personal” for both him and the president.
