JERUSALEM — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pledged to ensure the return of all deceased hostages still held in Gaza, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to supporting the families affected by the conflict. During his three-day diplomatic visit to Israel, Rubio met with relatives of two American citizens whose bodies remain in Gaza, emphasizing that the United States will not rest until every hostage — living or deceased — is brought home.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Rubio expressed deep sympathy for the families of the hostages and vowed continued efforts to recover their remains. “We will not forget the lives of the hostages who died in the captivity of Hamas,” Rubio said. “Today I met with the families of American citizens Itay Chen and Omer Neutra. We will not rest until their — and all — remains are returned.”
His comments came just hours before he concluded his visit to Israel, where he held multiple meetings with Israeli officials and advocacy groups focused on the hostage crisis. The visit underscores Rubio’s active role in reinforcing U.S. diplomatic engagement in the region amid ongoing efforts to maintain the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Hostages and Missing Families Forum Welcomes Rubio’s Remarks
The Israeli campaign group, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, welcomed Rubio’s statement, calling it an important sign of international solidarity. The group, which has long advocated for the safe return of hostages and the retrieval of bodies from Gaza, expressed gratitude for the U.S. commitment to the cause.
“Thirteen hostages need to come home. Thirteen families need closure,” the organization wrote on X, thanking the U.S. Secretary of State. “Please don’t stop — until the last hostage is released.”
The group’s message reflects the growing pressure on international actors, including the United States, to assist Israel in resolving the humanitarian and emotional toll of the hostage crisis.
Among those still awaiting closure are the families of Itay Chen and Omer Neutra, both U.S.-Israeli citizens who were killed during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
Chen, a dual citizen and a sergeant in the Israeli army, was stationed near the Gaza border when Hamas militants launched their assault. The Israeli military confirmed his death five months later, in March 2024, stating that the 19-year-old soldier had died in combat and that his body was taken into Gaza.
Similarly, Neutra, aged 21 at the time, was serving as a volunteer soldier in the Israeli army when he was killed on the same day. Raised in New York, he had traveled to Israel to connect with his heritage and later enlisted in military service, following in the footsteps of many young Israelis. His mother, Orna Neutra, shared her heartbreak in an interview with AFP in November 2023, saying her son had come to Israel out of love for the country and its people.
Under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which came into effect on October 10, all 20 living hostages have been released by Palestinian militants. Additionally, the remains of 15 deceased hostages have been returned to Israel. However, the bodies of 13 hostages remain in Gaza, leaving families in anguish as diplomatic efforts continue.
As part of the ceasefire deal, Israel has released nearly 2,000 prisoners, primarily Palestinians, as well as dozens of Palestinian bodies. While the ceasefire has brought a temporary halt to the intense fighting that gripped the region for months, tensions persist.
On Sunday, the Israeli military launched a new wave of air strikes following reports that its troops came under attack, killing two Israeli soldiers. According to Gaza’s health ministry, dozens of Palestinians died in the strikes. Israel later reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the ceasefire while defending its forces when necessary.
Throughout his visit, Rubio emphasized that the U.S. remains fully committed to supporting both Israel’s security and the humanitarian needs of civilians affected by the conflict. His focus on the hostages underscores a broader U.S. policy goal — ensuring that both nations move toward stability and accountability while addressing the pain of families still waiting for answers.
“The U.S. will continue to work with all partners to secure justice for the victims and peace for the region,” Rubio said. His remarks reflect the balance Washington seeks to maintain — supporting Israel’s right to defend itself while urging restraint and diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
As Rubio concludes his visit, his words have resonated deeply with both American and Israeli families still searching for closure. His promise to “not rest until all remains are returned” reinforces the ongoing international efforts to resolve one of the most emotionally charged aspects of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
While the road to peace remains uncertain, Rubio’s involvement highlights the enduring partnership between the United States and Israel — one built on shared values, resilience, and a commitment to bringing every last hostage home.
Source- EWN
