Freeman disclosed this in a signed statement made available to the media, stating that the hostages, abducted during the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack, have finally returned home to their families after enduring “the unendurable
By Asaye Bankole
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has disclosed the safe return of 20 Israeli hostages who were held in captivity by Hamas for 738 days, describing the moment as a “moral victory over terror” and a testament to Israel’s unwavering commitment to the sanctity of life.
Freeman disclosed this in a signed statement made available to the media, stating that the hostages, abducted during the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack, have finally returned home to their families after enduring “the unendurable.”
According to the statement, the hostages were taken during a brutal assault launched by Hamas on a Jewish holy day, an attack that saw terrorists invade Israeli communities, massacre civilians, and commit widespread atrocities including rape, torture, and the burning of families alive.
Freeman emphasised that Israel neither initiated nor sought this war but was “forced into it by terror, hatred, and darkness.” The statement further described the return of the hostages as “a moment of profound relief, national unity, and moral clarity.”
“Today, we welcome home the 20 living hostages who have endured the unendurable. We give thanks for their survival, and we pray for their healing,” Freeman said.
“We remember with broken hearts those who did not make it home, and we renew our commitment to bring back the bodies of the 28 remaining hostages who were murdered by Hamas.”
The Ambassador noted that for two years, Israel faced a campaign of “lies, distortions, and blood libels,” including unfounded accusations of genocide and starvation, while it remained focused on defending its citizens and rescuing its kidnapped sons and daughters.
“Israel has acted with moral clarity, guided by international law, and motivated by a deep moral commitment to protect life, even as its enemies sought to pervert truth and justice,” the statement read.
Ambassador Freeman also reaffirmed Israel’s belief that the end of the war hinges on the release of all hostages and the dismantling of Hamas’s violent infrastructure.
“The end of this war must bring an end to Hamas’s reign of terror, and open the door to a future of security, dignity, and coexistence, for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
The statement extended special gratitude to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, whom the Ambassador credited with playing an instrumental role in securing the release.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to President Donald J. Trump, whose steadfast leadership, moral clarity, and tireless diplomacy played an instrumental role in bringing our hostages home and in advancing peace in the Middle East,” he added.
Freeman concluded by expressing hope that this pivotal moment would help shift the region toward lasting peace and justice, grounded in truth, security, and mutual coexistence.
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