Gov. Brian Kemp reacts to release of Israeli hostages with statement

GEORGIA (WRBL) — Following the release of the Israeli hostage from Hamas, many political leaders provided statements, including Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.

Kemp provided his reaction in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter and said that he was “truly thankful today,” after the release of the hostages.

RELATED: Sen. Jon Ossoff issues statement on release of Israeli hostages

In the post, Kemp said:

“Along with Israelis and members of the Jewish faith from around the world, we are truly thankful today for the peace that has returned to the Holy Land and for the long-prayed for return of the hostages. At long last, Evyatar David and others who were taken by evil men two years ago have returned where they belong – at home with their loved ones. May God bless them and their families, the nation of Israel, and our entire country as we move forward from this devastating and painful war.”

Through a deal, Israel released over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and promised to allow a surge of food and aid supplies into famine-stricken Gaza.

It was not immediately clear when the remaining 24 bodies would be sent back to Israel.

The families of the deceased captives have demanded that the bodies be returned as part of the current ceasefire deal, according to AP News.

President Donald Trump arrived in Egypt on Monday for a global summit on Gaza’s future as he tries to advance peace in the Middle East after visiting Israel to celebrate a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hamas.