Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza have expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of their loved ones returning home following US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan to end the ongoing conflict.
Viki Cohen, whose son Nimrod is among the 20 hostages still believed to be alive, spoke with a sense of hope and trepidation. “I woke up on Saturday feeling hopeful, but also fearful that something might go wrong,” she said. “This situation is delicate, and I don’t want to be disappointed again, but I hold on to the hope that soon I will be able to hug my son, Nimrod, once more, “reports BBC.
Nimrod, now 21, was captured by Hamas during the attacks on October 7, 2023, at the age of 19. He was among the 251 hostages taken that day, with approximately 1,200 others killed in the attacks. On Friday, Hamas agreed to release all remaining Israeli hostages, both alive and deceased, but insisted on further negotiations regarding several key aspects of the US peace proposal.
Trump responded on social media, saying , “I believe they are ready for lasting PEACE” and urged Israel to immediately halt its bombing campaign in Gaza to facilitate the safe and swift release of the hostages. In a subsequent response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged that Israel was “prepared to implement the first phase of Trump’s plan for the immediate release of all hostages.”
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are expected to continue in Egypt in the coming days.
In Tel Aviv on Saturday evening, tens of thousands of people gathered in solidarity with the hostages, calling for an end to the war. Families of the hostages took the stage, shouting for the safe return of their loved ones. Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is among those held captive, demanded action. “To you they’re just hostages, but to me, he’s my boy, my life,” she cried. “The hostages are the beating heart of the country.”
The emotional appeal continued as Liran Berman, demanding the return of his brothers Gali and Ziv, expressed both hope and fear. “Will this deal be signed? Will I ever see my brothers again?” he asked. “It is now or never.”
Former hostage Omer Shem Tov, who was abducted during the Nova festival, led chants urging for action. He appealed directly to President Trump, stressing the urgency of ensuring the deal’s enforcement.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu, in a televised address, assured the nation that he hoped to announce the release of the hostages “in the coming days.”
Udi Goren, whose cousin Tal Haimi was killed in the October 7 attacks and whose body remains in Gaza, expressed his optimism. “We are seeing President Trump leading the charge and securing support from both Arab nations and the Israeli prime minister,” Goren said. “This is the time for action, not words.”
The family of Eitan Horn, another hostage, shared a similar sentiment, acknowledging the hope that the release of all 47 hostages—living and deceased—could be near. However, they added, “Our hope is tempered by great fear,” recognizing the ongoing danger faced by the captives.
Gil Dickman, whose cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage from Kibbutz Be’eri and whose body was later recovered, reflected on the missed opportunities for ceasefire deals in the past. “This is a very, very important stage, and it might bring us closer to ending this war,” he said, emphasizing the significance of the current negotiations.
As the situation continues to evolve, the families of hostages remain in a state of fragile hope, awaiting confirmation that the peace plan will be successfully implemented and that their loved ones will soon be brought home.
