Former President Donald Trump posted a video on Monday featuring freed Israeli hostage Agam Berger, expressing her heartfelt gratitude for his role in negotiating her release from Hamas captivity. Berger, 20, was taken hostage on October 7, 2023, during the deadly terrorist attack on Israel. After spending 482 harrowing days in Gaza captivity, she was finally freed on January 30 as part of a ceasefire deal.
Agam Berger’s Emotional Message to Trump
In the video, Berger thanked Trump for his unwavering support in securing the release of hostages and urged him to continue pushing for the return of those still in captivity.
“I want to take this chance to say to you, President Trump: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done and continue to do for the hostages,” Berger said in the recording shared on Trump’s Truth Social account.
She continued, emphasizing the urgency of the situation, “Thanks to you, we are home. But we must remember that there are still people who truly depend on you and are waiting for you to save them. They are waiting for your help, and you have the power to do it. I beg you: Don’t stop until all the hostages—both the living and the deceased—are brought back as quickly as possible.”
500 Days Since the Hamas Attack
Monday marked 500 days since Hamas-led terrorists invaded Israel, kidnapping 251 hostages and killing over 1,200 people in a brutal assault. The attack shocked the world and led to ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hamas.
Berger, who was abducted along with several other female field observers from the Nahal Oz military post, described her agonizing experience in captivity.
“You are my hope,” she told Trump. “I went through many hardships there. The days didn’t pass; they stood still. Every night and day felt like eternity. That’s how those still there feel.”
According to Israeli estimates, 73 hostages remain in Hamas captivity after 500 days, including 70 abducted during the October 7 attack.
Recent Hostage Releases and Trump’s Response
On Saturday, three hostages—American-Israeli Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36, Russian-Israeli Alexander (“Sasha”) Troufanov, 29, and Argentinean-Israeli Iair Horn, 46—were reunited with their families following their release under the ceasefire agreement. This marked the sixth round of hostage exchanges facilitated by international negotiations.
Trump welcomed their release but reiterated his demand for all captives to be freed immediately. “Hamas has just released three Hostages from GAZA, including an American Citizen. They seem to be in good shape! This differs from their statement last week that they would not release any Hostages,” he wrote on Truth Social.
“Israel will now have to decide what they will do about the 12:00 O’CLOCK, TODAY, DEADLINE imposed on the release of ALL HOSTAGES. The United States will back the decision they make!” he added, hinting at the urgency of the situation.
Global Reactions and the Ongoing Hostage Crisis
The international community continues to call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas. Israel remains firm in its stance that no sustainable ceasefire can be reached until all captives return home safely. Meanwhile, Trump’s involvement in advocating for hostage release has positioned him as a key figure in the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
As the world watches closely, the demand for urgent action grows stronger. Berger’s powerful plea to Trump serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the desperate need to bring all remaining hostages home.
FAQ’s
Who is Agam Berger?
Agam Berger is a 20-year-old Israeli soldier who was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and released on January 30, 2025, after 482 days in captivity.
How was Agam Berger released?
She was freed as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, negotiated with international assistance.
What did Agam Berger say to Donald Trump?
She thanked Trump for his efforts in helping secure her release and urged him to continue working to free the remaining hostages.
How many hostages remain in Hamas captivity?
As of now, Israeli estimates suggest that 73 hostages are still in Gaza, including 70 taken on October 7, 2023.
What role did Donald Trump play in the hostage negotiations?
Trump has been vocal about the hostage crisis, advocating for their release and putting pressure on Hamas through diplomatic and public statements.
What was Trump’s reaction to the latest hostage releases?
Trump welcomed the release of three hostages but reiterated his demand for all captives to be freed immediately.
What happened on October 7, 2023?
Hamas-led terrorists invaded Israel, killing over 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 hostages in a surprise attack.
What has Israel’s response been to the hostage crisis?
Israel has been conducting military operations in Gaza and engaging in diplomatic efforts to secure the release of all hostages.
How has the international community reacted?
World leaders have condemned Hamas’s actions and called for the immediate release of all hostages while facilitating ceasefire negotiations.
What is the next step in the hostage negotiations?
Negotiations are ongoing, with international mediators working to secure the release of the remaining hostages and achieve a sustainable ceasefire.