US President Donald Trump will accept nothing less than the release of all the hostages, US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff told hostage families in a meeting in Tel Aviv on Tuesday.
He also mentioned the social divisions in Israel relating to the ongoing war.
"When you argue between yourselves, when you're disbanding as a society, do you know who's watching? Hamas. That's why it's necessary to come together," he said.
"I've seen intelligence that shows us, when you're not united as a society, it harms our efforts."
He commented on the release of Edan Alexander, saying, "[Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu was ready to make tactical decisions in Gaza that others refused to do.'
"Edan is home because of Israeli and American cooperation. Despite what people say, he cares," Witkoff said.
"I would have loved if we could've released more hostages, but that's what we were able to achieve for now."
The Middle East envoy said that everyone would prefer to see a diplomatic solution, noting that most captivity survivors have been released through diplomatic means. He also assured the families that if he and US Hostage Envoy Adam Boehler didn't believe there was a genuine chance for progress in negotiations, they wouldn't be making the trip to Doha.
Witkoff also said regarding his work on behalf of the administration, "We're not going anywhere. I promise you. You don't need to thank us. It's a blessing for both of us to do this work."
“It feels like something bigger than myself, in the name of something greater than me," He said. "Your children aren’t my children, but I’ve made them my own. This is about doing something completely selfless. There is no greater joy than doing this, we will finish the mission, we’re not going anywhere," Witkoff told the families.
"The president is not going to accept anything less than the return of all of them home. And he will not rest until he achieves that goal. We saw it with the Houthis, we saw it with people who don’t get along with the United States. It’s a message – do what we’re asking you to do, and things will get better.”
Witkoff and Boehler will take off from Israel and head directly to Qatar to take part in the hostage deal talks that will take place in the evening.
Ofir Akunis speaks with Yael Alexander
Israel’s Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, spoke with Yael Alexander, the mother of hostage Edan Alexander, who returned to Israel on Monday.
Akunis, who maintained close contact with the family and visited their home in Tenafly, New Jersey, told Edan’s mother: “On behalf of the State of Israel, which the consulate here serves, we are at Edan’s and your family’s disposal at any time – and forever. Beloved Edan entered all of our hearts, including mine, and I want the entire family to know that we are always – and forever – here for you.”