Hope and Anxiety Among Hostage Families as Peace Talks Resurface

Sun Oct 19 2025 01:30:11 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Families of Israeli hostages express mixed emotions following Hamas's response to a U.S. peace plan, navigating hope for their loved ones' release alongside fears of disappointment.

As negotiations resume following Hamas's conditional agreement to release Israeli hostages, families cling to hope while battling fears of uncertainty. Statements from hostage families reveal a poignant mix of optimism and anxiety, with calls for immediate actions to ensure the safety of loved ones.

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.

Vicky Cohen, whose son Nimrod is among 20 hostages held in Gaza who are still believed to be alive, said she had woken on Saturday with a sense of hope and expectation, but also fear that something will go wrong.

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, now aged 21, was a 19-year-old soldier when he was kidnapped by Hamas near the Gaza border in the 7 October 2023 attacks. In total, 251 people were taken hostage that day, and some 1,200 others were killed.

On Friday, Hamas agreed to release all the remaining Israeli hostages - living and dead - but said it wanted further negotiations on several key points outlined in the US peace plan.

After Hamas submitted its response, Trump posted on Truth Social I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE, where he called on 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, stating that Israel was preparing to immediately implement the first phase of Trump's plan for the immediate release of all hostages.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are expected to resume in Egypt in the coming days.

Udi Goren, whose cousin Tal Haimi was killed during the attacks and his body was taken to Gaza, expressed optimism that a deal could still be reached, emphasizing the need to ensure a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians.

His views were mirrored by other hostage families. A statement from the family of hostage Eitan Horn revealed, For the first time in so many long and painful months, our hearts dare to believe that the release of Eitan - and of all 47 hostages - may finally be near. That soon, they will come home. However, they also expressed, Our hope is tempered by great fear.

Until their loved ones are home, families continue to grapple with the anxiety of their situation, fearing for their safety while hoping for peace.