BREAKING: Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Hamas is holding 20 living hostages, with their expected release in the next 24 hours. This urgent announcement comes as President Donald Trump prepares to travel to the Middle East on October 15, 2023, to address the situation directly.
Speaking on ABC’s “This Week” with co-anchor George Stephanopoulos, Vance stated, “Well, they’ve been confirmed, George. Of course, you don’t know until you see these people alive. But thank God we expect to see them alive here in the next 24 hours, probably early tomorrow morning, U.S. time.”
This potential release of hostages marks a significant moment, as Vance emphasized, “We are on the cusp of true peace in the Middle East. Really, for the first time in my lifetime, certainly these 20 hostages are going to come home to their families.” His remarks highlight the emotional weight of the situation for both the hostages and their families.
Trump is scheduled to depart for Israel and Egypt later today, where he plans to meet with families of the hostages at the Israeli Knesset on Monday. This visit underscores the U.S. administration’s commitment to resolving the crisis and supporting those affected.
The announcement follows a report from The Wall Street Journal, which first disclosed Hamas’ confirmation of the hostages. As the situation develops, officials are closely monitoring the timeline for the release and the implications it may have for regional stability.
The anticipation surrounding the potential release of hostages has drawn international attention, with many hoping this could pave the way for lasting peace in the region. As Vance noted, “It’s really a great moment for our country. Our country should be proud of our diplomats who made this happen.”
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.