President Trump praised former Hamas hostages as "heroes" during a White House reception on Thursday night.
A delegation of 26 ex-captives, 17 of whom were freed as part of the ceasefire deal Trump helped broker, flew to Washington to meet the president.
Addressing the gathering, he said: "It’s an honour to get to know all of you. I know some of you already. I know some of the previous hostages that we got out very well.
"We love you all, and our country loves you all… you’re amazing people.
"You’re not a hostage anymore… today you’re heroes."
Trump also singled out Matan Angrest, released last month after more than two years in captivity, for praise.
"Because of his service in the IDF, Matan was subjected to severe beatings, even at times losing consciousness. Alone and under special guard, he went through hell," he said in a video for the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
"Matan never broke, and today he’s a living testimony to the toughness, heart, and faith of the Jewish people. I’m telling you, you’re a great inspiration to everybody."
The delegation also held meetings with US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, who was instrumental in the ceasefire, and were each presented by Trump with a special presidential coin.
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