President Trump is set to meet Tuesday with Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American who had been held hostage by Hamas for 19 months, to mark two years since the attacks in Israel that killed hundreds.
Trump's public schedule lists a meeting with Alexander in the Oval Office that will be closed to the press.
The president previously met with Alexander and his family in early July following his release.
Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, launched attacks against Israel that killed more than 1,000 people, including hundreds of civilians. In addition, hundreds were taken hostage.
Israel's subsequent military campaign against Hamas has killed thousands in Gaza and created a humanitarian crisis.
Trump has pressed for a peace deal to end the war, presenting a 20-point plan last week during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The agreement, if agreed to by all parties, would lead to the release of the remaining hostages and pause fighting in Gaza for the first time in months.
"Hamas now has been -- all I can say is they've been fine. They've been fine. I hope it's going to continue that way," Trump said Monday. "I think it will. I really think we're going to have a deal."
Source: The Hill - News
