US President Trump Announces Release of Israeli-Russian Hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov

Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian doctoral student at Princeton University, has been released after being held hostage by the Iran-backed militia Kata'ib Hezbollah in Iraq since 2023. President Trump announced her release on social media, highlighting her safe arrival at the American Embassy in Iraq and condemning her prior torture, while also issuing a stern call for Hamas to release other hostages. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the release, attributing it to extensive efforts by Iraqi security forces and reaffirming Iraq's commitment to enforcing the law and protecting its sovereignty. Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber expressed relief and gratitude to President Trump and all involved in securing Tsurkov's freedom. Tsurkov's family praised the Trump administration's proactive approach, contrasting it with previous efforts, and thanked individuals including Trump's special envoy Adam Boehler. The release followed complex diplomatic negotiations, amid earlier allegations against Tsurkov that were denied by her family and Princeton, underscoring the sensitive context of her captivity and release.