The U.S. State Department held a flag-raising ceremony to honor hostages and wrongful detainees, emphasizing the government’s dedication to their return. Special envoy Adam Boehler stated that efforts are ongoing, with potential announcements expected soon. March 9 marks 18 years since former FBI agent Robert Levinson’s abduction in Iran, prompting Congress to officially recognize the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag. The event followed Trump’s welcome of formerly held hostages and confirmed discussions between U.S. officials and Hamas in Doha, focusing on U.S. hostages and potential ceasefire negotiations. The urgency of the situation was highlighted by the mother of a hostage still in Gaza.
The U.S. State Department conducted a flag-raising ceremony on Thursday in honor of hostages and individuals wrongfully detained, reiterating the government’s dedication to ensuring the return of American citizens and lawful permanent residents held abroad.
“Our policies are completely centered on bringing people back home,” stated Adam Boehler, the special envoy for hostages under President Donald Trump. He remarked, “Expect some announcements in the days ahead,” though he refrained from giving any specifics.
“President Trump is resolute in his efforts to ensure the safe return of all Americans who are being held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas. This includes U.S. citizens and all other hostages that Hamas continues to hold in Gaza,” a spokesperson for the State Department shared with VOA.
“Efforts to secure their return are ongoing and involve sensitive negotiations – we do not have any meetings to announce or insights at this moment,” the spokesperson added.
March 9 marks 18 years since the abduction of former FBI agent Robert Levinson in Iran.
In light of this, Congress, with bipartisan backing, designated the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag within the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.
On Thursday, FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized Washington’s commitment to “eliminating” hostage cases and wrongful detentions, in addition to repatriating the remains of those who cannot be brought home, through diplomatic and intelligence avenues.
The ceremony took place a day after Trump welcomed eight former hostages previously held by Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, at the White House.
On Wednesday, the White House confirmed that U.S. officials have been involved in ongoing discussions with Hamas. These talks, conducted in Doha, Qatar, represent the first known direct interaction between the United States and Hamas since the State Department classified the group as a foreign terrorist organization in 1997.
Boehler led these talks aimed at securing the release of American hostages and considering a potential end to the conflict without Hamas remaining in control of Gaza.
Among the hostages still in Hamas custody, five are U.S. citizens, including 21-year-old Edan Alexander, who is believed to be the last American-Israeli hostage currently surviving in Gaza.
His mother, Yael Alexander, recently addressed a gathering at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. “This is the stark reality: The urgency surrounding the hostages grows more pressing with each passing day,” she remarked.
“They are currently in Phase 2. We don’t view it as a phase — we perceive it as the pathway to bringing our son home. What you choose to call it is irrelevant; what truly matters is that there is a commitment to return the remaining hostages as quickly as possible,” she added.
This week, Israeli officials indicated that Israel is prepared to advance with the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire agreement, contingent on Hamas agreeing to release more of the 59 hostages still in their custody.
Some information was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters.