[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 3, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                            Israeli Hostages

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, in March of last year, I spoke here to 
demand Hamas release all remaining Israeli hostages. In October last 
year, I spoke about President Trump's Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal. At 
that time, all of the living hostages had been returned to their 
families in Israel.
  However, the bodies of those who had been murdered under the brutal 
terror of Hamas were still being held hostage. This was not merely a 
delay in returning the remains; it was a very deliberate, very 
psychological warfare tactic, weaponizing human suffering for the 
political gain of Hamas. This cruelty also prevented families from 
carrying out proper religious burial rights--a fundamental act of 
dignity and respect for the dead in Jewish tradition.
  Now nearly 3\1/2\ months after reaching the cease-fire deal by 
President Trump, I am here to share that on January 26 this year, the 
final body of hostages has returned home to Israel. Families who have 
lived in unbearable uncertainty can now begin the sacred work of 
mourning, remembrance, and healing.
  This moment is a reminder of both the resilience of the Israeli 
people and the enduring bond between the United States and Israel. 
America stood firm in demanding the release of every hostage, the 
living and the fallen, and we must continue to stand firm against those 
who use terror, brutality, and human suffering as bargaining chips.
  I commend President Trump and all those who worked tirelessly to 
secure this outcome and remain hopeful that a lasting peace can be 
reached.
  I yield the floor.