Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza have voiced their hope that US President Donald Trump's plan for ending the war will facilitate the return of their loved ones. Viki Cohen, whose son is among the hostages, expressed feelings of anticipation mixed with trepidation, stating, It is a fragile situation and we don't want to be disappointed again.
Nimrod, a soldier, was captured during the 7 October 2023 attacks, which saw 251 hostages taken and many others killed. Recently, Hamas agreed to negotiate on a peace plan that includes the potential release of all remaining hostages.
Following Hamas's response, Trump remarked on his platform, urging Israel to halt bombing in Gaza to facilitate a safe extraction of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel's commitment to the peace plan's initial phases.
This weekend, tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to support the hostages, chanting solidarity messages. Speakers called out to Netanyahu, underscoring the urgency and personal stakes involved.
Udi Goren, a relative of a hostage, expressed optimism about the developing negotiations, while families communicated both hope and anxiety about the implications of the ongoing discussions. The convergence towards potential peace highlights the delicate balance between longing for resolution and the reality of the ongoing conflict.
