🔗 Share this article

Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza have expressed optimism that the US President's proposal for ending the conflict will secure their loved ones home.

Vicky Cohen, whose son Nimrod is among 20 hostages thought to be alive in Gaza, said she awakened on Saturday with a feeling of "optimism and anticipation", but also "apprehension that something will go wrong".

"This represents a fragile circumstance and we hope not to be disappointed again. And yet I feel hope that soon I will be reunited with my son and I can embrace him again."

Nimrod, now aged 21, was a 19-year-old soldier when he was kidnapped by militants near the Gaza border during the October 7th incidents. Overall, 251 people were captured that day, and approximately twelve hundred others were fatally wounded.

Recent Updates

On the previous day, Hamas consented to free all the remaining Israeli captives - including living and dead - but stated it wanted further discussions on multiple critical aspects outlined in the US ceasefire proposal.

After the organization submitted its response, the US President wrote on Truth Social "In my opinion they are ready for a enduring CEASEFIRE", as he urged Israel to "without delay halt the airstrikes of the territory, so that we can get the Captives out safely and promptly!"

In a statement during the night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the nation was "getting ready to right away execute the first phase of the President's plan for the prompt release of all captives".

Family Reactions

Another family member, whose relative a family member was fatally injured in the October 7th attacks and his body transported to the coastal territory where it remains, said he was optimistic that a agreement would be achieved.

"We're seeing the US leader taking firm action and bringing all parties behind him, encompassing the Arab countries and the Israel's leader," he said. "We need to ensure that there's a improved future for Israeli people and Palestinian citizens. At this moment is the moment for deeds, not for talk."

His sentiments were shared by additional captive families on the weekend.

In a statement, the relatives of hostage Eitan Horn said that for "the first time in so many long and painful months, our feelings allow hope that the freedom of their relative - and of all 47 hostages [alive and dead] - may ultimately be imminent. That soon, they will return safely".

However, they added: "Optimism is tempered by significant fear."

"Before they return, they continue deprived of food, tortured and in continuous risk of fatal injury."

Previous Opportunities

Another relative explained he knew perfectly what it signified to miss a opportunity for a ceasefire deal.

His family member a relative was taken hostage from Kibbutz Be'eri and her body found from a underground passage in Gaza almost a year later. The defense forces said she and five other hostages had been killed just before its soldiers reached them.

"What we saw recently is that Hamas provided an answer - they had certain acceptances with the President's plan and some disagreements, but the main thing for me is that they're willing to go through with this," he said. "We've had so many additional opportunities previously that were lost" but this is a "extremely crucial stage in the process… and maybe brings us nearer to getting this war over with."

Discussions between Israeli officials and the organization are now anticipated to restart in Egypt in the coming days.