Marco Rubio can bring home the Hamas hostages | Opinion

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written by the father of Itay Chen, 19, an Israel Defense Forces soldier who was among those reported by the IDF killed on Oct. 7, 2023 in Israel although Hamas has not provided any physical evidence to confirm. His parents hold hope that their son is still alive.

On Oct. 7, 2023, my son, Itay, was taken hostage by Hamas during the terrorist group’s brutal attack on Israel. He is one of the seven U.S. citizens, among 101 hostages, who have been held in the dungeons of Gaza for over 400 days.

For my family, every day is a waking nightmare. We live in a constant state of agony, constantly asking ourselves what else we can do to bring Itay home.

On Nov. 5, we found a new glimmer of hope in anticipation of the incoming Trump administration, praying they take a new approach and secure the hostages’ release.

As Florida Sen. Marco Rubio steps into the role of secretary of state, I send this one plea: Seize this unique window ahead of President-elect Trump’s inauguration to leverage Hamas’ foreboding regarding the new administration, in order to finally broker a hostage deal.

Itay was just 19 when he was kidnapped. An Israeli-American citizen, he grew up regularly visiting our family in New York City. Yet, he became a diehard Celtics fan. He is kind, courageous, and selfless —qualities he demonstrated on Oct. 7 when he saved countless lives during the Hamas attack.

I have met Secretary of State Antony Blinken. I am grateful for the Biden administration’s support — but unfortunately, they have failed us: Negotiations have stalled as Hamas and its supporters no longer fear a lame-duck administration.

Rubio has a unique opportunity to bring a new kind of leadership. He and Trump need to apply pressure even before they enter office.

They need to make it clear that if the hostages are not released before Jan. 20, the consequences for Hamas and the countries supporting them will be severe. This message needs to be understood by direct supporters of Hamas, like Iran, as well as countries that enable the terror group to survive financially.

The U.S. should begin holding regional enablers accountable. Turkey’s tacit support for Hamas cannot go unchallenged while they claim to be a friend of the West. As a NATO member, Turkey must decide where it stands: with its allies or with terror.

Egypt receives enormous financial aid from the U.S. yet looked the other way while Hamas built its war machine which attacked Israel on Oct. 7; Egypt should be held responsible for meeting security requirements and preventing arms smuggling into Gaza.

Finally, the U.S. must prioritize the hostages in all its diplomatic efforts. Presidents often enjoy the peak of their power at the onset of their administration. Hamas is wary of the new president, as are other regional players. They all, including the Israeli government, wish to start relations with the new administration on the right foot. As such, this is indeed the opportunity to save the 101 hostages.

I ask that the U.S. turn up the pressure, using every diplomatic, economic, military and intelligence tool at its disposal. For decades, the U. S. has valued the lives of its citizens while protecting freedom worldwide.

Allowing seven American hostages to languish in Hamas tunnels under horrendous conditions undermines that legacy — it cannot be one that the new administration inherits.

This past year, we have spent birthdays, anniversaries and holidays without Itay, thinking of him every moment. His empty seat at this year’s Thanksgiving table will be painful to bear.

Yet we continue to hope. We hope because we believe in the strength and resolve of President Trump and his new leadership team.

Let us not wait another day. Get them home now.

Ruby Chen is the New York-born father of Itay Chen. He and his wife, Hagit, live in Israel with their two other children.

This story was originally published November 28, 2024 at 8:05 PM.