WASHINGTON – The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation is overjoyed that the long-sought release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, is now underway—after 738 harrowing days in captivity.
Since that dark day, the families of those kidnapped have endured unimaginable anguish, living in a relentless state of uncertainty and fear. Today, we celebrate the long-awaited return of their loved ones and honor the resilience of these families, who never stopped advocating for their freedom.
Foley Foundation President and Founder Diane Foley said, “The world has been holding its breath in the hope that all captives taken by Hamas would be set free. We are profoundly grateful that this horrific ordeal is finally coming to an end.”
“But our work is not done,” Foley continued. “Not until every hostage—whether living or deceased—is returned to their family. We are mindful of the families of Omer Neutra and Itay Chen. Their sons—the last known American hostages held by Hamas—were tragically killed. These families await the return of their sons’ remains. The deceased hostages deserve the dignity of a proper burial and the closure it can begin to bring to their families.”
The Foundation urges all leaders with the power to ensure the negotiated peace process remains on track to act with steadfast determination to secure the return of every hostage. We thank the Trump administration in particular, and the lead mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, for their leadership in securing this long-awaited deal. We also thank the broad coalition of civil society organizations that has come together to support the families of the hostages and the returnees, most especially the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
The use of innocent human beings as bargaining chips is an abhorrent violation of human rights—and it must end. Those freed face a long road ahead as they reunite with their families, begin to heal, and seek justice for the trauma they have endured.
The Foley Foundation remains committed to advocating for the safe return of all Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. All people deserve to live free from the threat of unjust and unlawful captivity.
ABOUT THE JAMES W. FOLEY LEGACY FOUNDATION
Conflict journalist James W. Foley was taken hostage by ISIS terrorists in 2012 while covering the Syrian civil war. His captors tortured and ultimately brutally murdered him in 2014. The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation was established within weeks of his death. Inspired by the moral courage of James Foley, the foundation advocates for American hostages and wrongful detainees held abroad and promotes journalist safety.
For more information or to learn how you can make an impact, please visit jamesfoleyfoundation.org or contact us here. Charitable donations to support the foundation’s work may be made here.