Hope and Anxiety: Israeli Hostage Families React to Hamas' Response to Peace Plan

Tue Oct 14 2025 21:30:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Israeli families of hostages held in Gaza express conflicting emotions as they respond to Hamas' agreement to negotiate over the US peace plan, bringing a mix of hope and fear for their loved ones' safety.

Families of Israelis taken hostage in Gaza are feeling both hope and fear in light of Hamas' recent agreement to negotiate terms for their release based on a US peace plan. As negotiations are set to resume, hostages' families express cautious optimism yet remain anxious about the fragile nature of the situation.

Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza have expressed cautious optimism regarding US President Donald Trump's peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict and potentially securing the release of their loved ones.

Vicky Cohen, mother of hostage Nimrod, voiced her mixed feelings, stating she woke up with 'hope and expectation' but also fears that the situation might collapse again. 'It is a fragile situation and we don't want to be disappointed again. I feel hope that soon I will see Nimrod and hug him again,' she said.

Nimrod, now aged 21, was a soldier kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 attacks, which resulted in 251 hostages and around 1,200 fatalities. Recently, Hamas agreed to the release of living and deceased hostages while seeking further negotiations linked to the peace proposals put forth by the US.

In response to Hamas' acknowledgment of the peace plan, President Trump expressed optimism, urging Israel to halt bombings in Gaza to facilitate a safer release of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that preparations are underway to implement the initial phase of Trump's proposals.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are expected to take place in Egypt shortly, prompting a sense of hope among families. Udi Goren, who lost his cousin Tal Haimi to the conflict, expressed faith in Trump's leadership as a pivotal factor facilitating dialogue. 'We need to ensure a better future for Israelis and Palestinians. Now is the time for action, not just words,' he stated.

The family of hostage Eitan Horn reflected that for the first time in many painful months, they feel a glimmer of hope, stating, 'Our hearts dare to believe that the release of Eitan - and all hostages - may finally be near.'

However, they emphasized that their hope is tempered with worry, underlining that as discussions proceed, their loved ones continue to be in dire conditions. Gil Dickman recounted the anguish of previous missed opportunities for ceasefire, now urging caution but recognizing the importance of the current dialogue with Hamas.

With families balancing their optimism and fear, the upcoming negotiations may mark a crucial juncture in the ongoing conflict.