Released Hostage Credits Trump in Emotional 60 Minutes Interview

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – A recently released hostage has credited former U.S. President Donald Trump with aiding his release during an interview set to air on CBS‘s 60 Minutes. In a preview released Sunday, Bibas shared, “I know he can help. I’m here because of Trump. I’m here because of him,” asserting Trump’s influence in securing his freedom.

During the interview with Lesley Stahl, Bibas conveyed a heartfelt plea for the U.S. government to take action on behalf of others still in captivity. “Please stop the war and help bring all the back,” he urged, directly addressing the current administration.

The full segment will air on Sunday at 7 p.m. EST (2 a.m. UTC), featuring additional interviews with fellow released hostages Tal Shoham and Keith and Aviva Siegel, as they share their experiences during captivity.

Bibas, wearing a shirt adorned with photos of his longtime friends and neighbors David and Ariel Cunio, expressed a deep personal connection to those still held. He revealed that a hostage released earlier confirmed to the Cunio family that David is still alive and being held in Gaza.

On October 7, Bibas was taken to Gaza alongside his wife, Shiri, and their two young sons, Ariel and Kfir. He remains the only surviving member of his family in captivity. Earlier this year, Hamas claimed to have returned the bodies of four hostages; however, DNA testing revealed that the remains of an adult woman initially labeled Shiri Bibas were not hers.

Following the ongoing conflict, Netanyahu stated at a cabinet meeting that “military and diplomatic pressure are the only things that brought back hostages” during the current hostilities.