US Secretary Rubio Meets Families of US Hostages Killed in Gaza, Urges Return of Remaining Remains

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the families of Itay Chen and Omer Neutra, two U.S.-Israeli citizens killed and held hostage by Hamas in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 attacks. Rubio vowed to continue efforts to secure the return of all deceased hostages' remains, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to not forgetting those who died in captivity and to achieving closure for the 13 families still awaiting their loved ones' return. Accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, Rubio's visit included discussions on advancing the U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire and peace plan, with a focus on the release of all hostages. The families expressed hope and appreciation for the ongoing diplomatic efforts, noting the challenges posed by Hamas's tactics to delay returning remains to gain tactical advantages. The meetings occurred just before Rubio joined President Trump in Qatar for talks with Qatari leaders, key mediators in the ceasefire and hostage negotiations. Both Chen and Neutra were young soldiers killed during the Hamas invasion, and their lives and sacrifices remain a focal point in efforts to resolve the hostage crisis.