Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza have expressed cautious optimism regarding US President Donald Trump's recent peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict and facilitating the return of their loved ones.
Vicky Cohen, whose son Nimrod is among the 20 hostages believed alive, shared her mixed emotions. She awoke filled with hope yet fearful of possible disappointment, remarking: 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. Nimrod was kidnapped during the brutal attacks on October 7, 2023, which saw 251 people taken hostage and over 1,200 killed.
Recent developments unfolded when Hamas agreed to release all Israeli hostages, while also seeking further negotiations over key points in Trump's peace proposal. Following this, Trump expressed confidence in a potential peace, calling on Israel to halt bombings to ensure the safe return of the hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is set to implement the initial phase of the peace plan to facilitate the release. The negotiations between Israel and Hamas are expected to restart in Egypt soon.
Udi Goren, whose cousin Tal Haimi was killed in the attacks, conveyed optimism about reaching a deal, emphasizing the need for proactive measures towards a better future for Israelis and Palestinians. Other families of hostages resonate with these sentiments, with some stating that their hearts dare to believe that their loved ones might finally return home.
However, many families remain painfully aware of the dire conditions faced by their loved ones, describing their hopes as tempered with fear, as they recognize the ongoing dangers involved in the process.
