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.
Viki Cohen, whose son Nimrod is among 20 hostages held in Gaza who are still believed to be alive, expressed mixed emotions of hope and apprehension. 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, she said.
Nimrod, now 21, was kidnapped by Hamas during the 7 October 2023 attacks, which also resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 others. Following Hamas's agreement to release all remaining Israeli hostages, conditional on forthcoming negotiations outlined in Trump's peace plan, reactions from families have ranged from optimism to anxiety.
Trump backed the possibility of peace on social media, calling for an immediate halt to Israeli strikes in Gaza to facilitate the hostages' safe return. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted positively, stating Israel is ready to take immediate action in accordance with the new plan. Negotiations are anticipated to resume in Egypt soon.
Amid these developments, significant crowds in Tel Aviv gathered to rally in support of the hostages, emphasizing the emotional weight of the situation. Attendees voiced their desires for the immediate return of their loved ones, with some family members expressing a palpable fear of repeated disappointments.
Udi Goren, a family member of a deceased hostage, echoed a cautious optimism about the ongoing discussions, stating, Now is the time for action, not for words. Tensions remain high, with families urging swift action while fearing the worst.
