Gaza, Trump welcomes former hostages to the White House: ‘You are heroes’

Turin, 21 Nov. (LaPresse) – US President Donald Trump welcomed a delegation of almost all the hostages freed as part of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza to the White House. ‘You are no longer hostages… today you are heroes,’ Trump told the former hostages and their families in a brief part of his speech prepared, filmed and broadcast by the White House, as quoted by the Times of Israel. The Israeli delegation consisted of 26 former hostages, including 17 of the 20 prisoners still alive, released under the agreement that came into force in October. ‘It is an honour to meet you all. I already know some of you. I know some of the hostages we have freed previously very well. We love you all, and our country loves you all… you are extraordinary people,’ added Trump, who also presented each member of the delegation with a special presidential coin. Several former hostages brought gifts to the US president to express their gratitude.