White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently credited U.S. President Donald Trump with foreign policy successes, citing a string of global events she tied to his leadership of the international community.
"See what the president (US President Trump) has done on the international stage. He has put an end to wars, such as India and Pakistan. He remains working hard to put an end to the war in Russia and Ukraine," Leavitt mentioned in a press conference, quoting Trump's ongoing diplomatic activities in different war-torn areas.
Emphasizing the administration's firm position on Iran and the Middle East, Leavitt declared, "He totally destroyed Iran's nuclear facilities. He has continued to try to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, to put an end to that conflict and free all of the hostages." She went on to say that the administration's initiative had already secured the release of some hostages, highlighting, "We've seen many of the hostages freed as a result of this president's efforts."
President Trump repeated those comments at a White House dinner for lawmakers on Friday, according to The Jerusalem Post, affirming that further progress was being made in hostage release. "We got most of the hostages out. We're going to have another 10 coming very soon, and we hope to have that completed quickly," he said. Trump also praised his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, for his efforts at the ongoing negotiations.
Israeli and Hamas delegates have, under the auspices of The Jerusalem Post reports, been negotiating a ceasefire in Doha since July 6. Negotiations, which center on a U.S.-backed 60-day truce plan, seek to end the fighting and free remaining hostages.
But the negotiations have been characterized by a sense of urgency, with Hamas warning through its militant wing. In a video statement, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Ubaida warned that the group would not accept any more temporary ceasefires unless an agreement is reached in the ongoing round of talks.
"We closely follow the current negotiations and expect them to lead to an agreement that ensures the stopping of war against our people, occupation forces withdrawal, and the alleviation of our people," Abu Ubaida wrote, quoting The Jerusalem Post.
Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken chimed in last Wednesday, saying the U.S. and its partners in the Middle East had been "85% of the way" to a breakthrough before the Trump administration returned. Nevertheless, Trump's first months back in office have witnessed renewed momentum, particularly in mediating a possible hostage agreement after months of diplomatic stalemate.
The hostage situation is a result of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel, in which the organization took more than 250 people hostage and murdered over 1,200. Currently, there are 50 hostages still held in Gaza, with about 20 thought to be alive.
Efforts to try to resolve the hostage crisis are now at the forefront of wider efforts to stop fighting in the area and bring relief to the impacted populations.
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