We are working to free all hostages and end the Gaza war as soon as possible – President Donald Trump

We are working to free all hostages and end the Gaza war as soon as possible – President Donald Trump

Riyadh, May 13, 2025 —
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that his administration is working tirelessly to end the Gaza war and to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

Speaking at a Saudi-American investment forum at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in the Saudi capital Riyadh, President Trump said, “We are working very hard to bring back all the hostages held by Hamas.” He added, “We have already brought many of them back, and more are on the way.”

Trump specifically mentioned the release of American-Israeli citizen Idan Alexander, who had been held captive in Gaza.

He stated, “We want to end this war as quickly as possible. It's a terrible situation.”

Trump's remarks differ somewhat from Israel’s stance, as Israel has shown little interest in halting the war at this time, arguing that doing so would allow Hamas to remain in power.

Trump further said, “All civilized nations must condemn the October 7 attack on Israel.”

Expressing sympathy for the suffering of the people of Gaza, he said, “The people of Gaza deserve a better future, but that is not possible as long as their leaders continue to kidnap, torture, and kill innocent men, women, and children for political gain.”

More than 52,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in the Gaza war so far, although President Trump did not directly mention Israel’s role in his speech.