Witkoff to Israeli hostages’ families: ‘The plan is not to expand the war, but to end it’

US special envoy Steve Witkoff told families of Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv that a majority of Israelis and Gazans want hostages held by Hamas to be returned, The Times of Israel reported citing a Hebrew statement by Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

“A majority of Israelis want the hostages at home, and a majority of Gaza’s public wants the return of hostages because they want the rehabilitation of the Strip,” he told families at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.

“There is no victory without bringing everyone home; all of you have become part of my family,” he added.

“The plan is not to expand the war, but to end it,” he said, adding that talks should now focus on ending the war and bringing home all the hostages, instead of a partial deal.

According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the meeting went on for nearly three hours.

He added that he has no news of progress in talks with Hamas over the release of captives.

“I hear your frustration. I understand that you want them home; part of the reason I am in this work is because I lost a child. I know what it is to lose a child. I wish that I had news for you. But the situation is complicated. There are many reasons [for this] that I cannot detail. Hamas is a terrorist organization,” he said.

Witkoff emphasized that US President Donald Trump cares a lot about the hostages and that his mission is to bring everyone home.