Families of Israelis currently held hostage in Gaza are experiencing a surge of hope, mixed with profound fear, as a potential peace plan gains traction. The plan, facilitated by international efforts, aims to bring about an end to the ongoing conflict and secure the release of those taken captive.
Viki Cohen, whose son Nimrod is among the estimated 20 hostages still alive in Gaza, shared her emotional state. “I woke up this morning feeling a sense of hope and expectation,” she told the BBC, “but also fear that something could go wrong.” She added, “It is a fragile situation, and we don’t want to be disappointed again. Yet, I feel hope that I will see Nimrod soon and can hug him again.” Nimrod, now 21, was just 19 when he was abducted by Hamas during the attacks on October 7th, 2023, which tragically resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages.
Following Hamas’s submission of its response to the peace proposal, which reportedly includes the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, living and deceased, in exchange for further negotiations on key points, former US President Donald Trump expressed optimism. He posted on Truth Social, “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” urging Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by stating that Israel is “preparing to immediately implement the first phase of Trump’s plan for the immediate release of all hostages.” This development signals a critical juncture, with high-stakes negotiations between Israel and Hamas expected to recommence in Egypt in the coming days.
The situation has sparked widespread public engagement, with tens of thousands gathering in Tel Aviv to voice their support for the proposed deal. In Hostages Square, crowds chanted affirmations of solidarity with the families, who took to the stage to make impassioned pleas for the return of their loved ones. “To you they’re just hostages, but to me that’s my boy. He’s my life. The hostages are the beating heart of the country,” stated Einav Zangauker, mother of captive Matan. Liran Berman, whose brothers Gali and Ziv are held captive, echoed the sentiment, stating, “With hope comes fear – will the deal be signed? Will I ever see my brothers again? We cannot let another deal collapse. Not again… it is now or never.”
Omer Shem Tov, a former hostage himself, led the calls for their return, directly appealing to President Trump to ensure the deal’s enforcement. “We have to make sure this deal happens. We have to make sure Hamas signs it. It’s been two years. The world is watching,” he urged the crowd.
Udi Goren, whose cousin Tal Haimi was killed on October 7th and whose body remains in Gaza, expressed his optimism, noting the widespread international support for the plan. “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 shared similar sentiments, with the family of Eitan Horn expressing their hope that Eitan’s release, along with that of 47 other hostages, may be imminent. However, they also conveyed the persistent fear: “Until they return, they remain starved, tortured and in constant danger of death.” Gil Dickman, whose cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage and later found to have been killed, highlighted the missed opportunities for past deals, stressing the current moment’s critical importance. “This is a very, very important stage in the process… and maybe gets us close to getting this war over with,” he remarked.