Families of Hostages Express Mixed Emotions Amid New Peace Efforts

Wed Oct 22 2025 14:25:45 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas feel a blend of hope and fear as the U.S. peace plan progresses, with potential for their loved ones' return.

In a pivotal moment for families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, U.S. President Trump's peace plan has sparked both hope and apprehension. Families express eager anticipation for the return of their loved ones but are cautious after past disappointments. As negotiations with Hamas continue, the emotional stakes remain high amid large public demonstrations calling for action.

Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza have told the BBC they are hopeful that US President Donald Trump's plan for ending the war will bring their loved ones home.

Viki Cohen, whose son Nimrod is among 20 hostages held in Gaza who are still believed to be alive, expressed both hope and fear as she charged into the weekend. 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 said.

Nimrod, now aged 21, was abducted by Hamas during the attacks on October 7, 2023, which left 251 hostages taken and approximately 1,200 others killed.

Hamas has recently agreed to release all of the remaining Israeli hostages, living or dead, though further negotiations on key points outlined in the US peace plan are required.

Following Hamas's response, Trump took to Truth Social to announce, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE, urging Israel to cease bombing Gaza to facilitate the safe return of hostages.

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has indicated that Israel is preparing to implement the first phase of Trump's plan aimed at releasing all hostages.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are expected to resume soon in Egypt.

In a massive turn of public sentiment, tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to support efforts for peace during which families voiced their fears and hope for their loved ones' return. The crowd chanted slogans urging government leaders to take decisive action for the release of hostages.

Former hostage Omer Shem Tov led the audience in chants as he urged the community to keep the attention on the plight of the hostages and maintain pressure on leaders to finalize a deal.

The push for peace has united many families of hostages, some of whom conveyed their longing and fears that any deal may falter, expressing, what will happen next? This is our only hope, and we cannot let it slip away again.