Families of Hostages Hope for Peace Amidst Fear of Loss

Sun Oct 19 2025 15:49:11 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Families of hostages held by Hamas express optimism about a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict, following a recent peace proposal by US President Donald Trump.

In a fragile moment of uncertainty, families of Israelis held captive in Gaza show a mix of hope and fear regarding the possibilities presented by US President Donald Trump's peace plan. With some hostages still alive, families inch closer to believing in potential releases, while cautioning against the reality of their dire circumstances as negotiations loom between Israel and Hamas.

Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza have expressed a new wave of hope that US President Donald Trump's recent peace proposal might lead to the return of their loved ones. Vicky Cohen, whose son Nimrod is among 20 hostages still believed to be alive, spoke of her mixed feelings, sharing that she woke up with both hope and fear that the situation could falter once again.

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, held since the October 7 attacks, was just 19 when kidnapped, part of a larger tragic tally where 251 individuals were taken hostage and approximately 1,200 lives were lost.

On Friday, Hamas indicated it would entertain the release of all remaining Israeli hostages but emphasized the need for further negotiations regarding key elements of Trump's peace plan. Following this response, Trump expressed optimism, advocating for an immediate cessation of bombing in Gaza to expedite a safe release.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed his government’s readiness to initiate the first phase of the peace plan focused on hostage release. As negotiations are expected to resume in Egypt imminently, families are cautiously optimistic. Udi Goren recalled the tragic loss of his cousin Tal Haimi during the conflict and expressed hope that the ongoing dialogues under Trump's leadership could herald a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Echoing these sentiments, the family of hostage Eitan Horn shared a hopeful statement, noting that their hearts dared to believe that a reunion could finally be approaching, even while remaining acutely aware of the risks faced by hostages.

Others, like Gil Dickman, reflect on past failures to reach ceasefire agreements, urging that the current stage in negotiations between Hamas and Israel could pave the way to ending the conflict. Amidst the discussions, the emotional toll on families remains profound as they balance their yearning for peace with the haunting realities of their loved ones' captivity.