Families of Israelis currently held hostage in Gaza shared their feelings of hope and apprehension following Hamas’ response to a proposed peace plan. Many expressed a desire for the plan to bring their loved ones home safely, while also fearing potential setbacks.
Vicky Cohen, whose son Nimrod is among the hostages believed to be alive, described a sense of fragile anticipation. “It is a fragile situation and we don’t want to be disappointed again. And yet I feel hope that soon I will see Nimrod and I can hug [him] again,” she stated.
Nimrod, 21, was a soldier when he was taken hostage during the 7 October attacks. His family, like many others, is enduring immense uncertainty, with hopes pinned on the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Hamas has reportedly agreed to release all remaining hostages, living and deceased, but has requested further negotiations on key aspects of the US-backed peace proposal. This development has led to cautious optimism, with US President Donald Trump reportedly welcoming Hamas’ response and urging an immediate cessation of hostilities to ensure the safe release of hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office indicated that Israel is prepared to move forward with the initial phase of the plan, which includes the release of hostages. Negotiations are expected to reconvene in Egypt soon.
Udi Goren, whose cousin Tal Haimi was killed on 7 October and whose body remains in Gaza, voiced his optimism, highlighting the potential for a unified approach involving international and regional actors. “We need to make sure that there’s a better future for Israelis and Palestinians. Now is the time for action, not for words,” he emphasized.
The families of other hostages, like Eitan Horn, echoed this sentiment, expressing a renewed sense of hope that a resolution might be near, while acknowledging the deep-seated fear that has accompanied their long wait. “Until they return, they remain starved, tortured and in constant danger of death,” one family statement read.
Gil Dickman, whose cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage and later found to have been killed, highlighted the critical nature of this stage in the process. “We’ve had so many other chances before that were missed, but this is a very, very important stage… and maybe gets us close to getting this war over with,” he remarked.
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