Hope and Fear for Hostage Families After Hamas’ Response to Peace Plan
For many Israeli families whose loved ones remain held in Gaza, the latest developments in diplomacy bring both a fragile hope and lingering fear. Hamas’ partial acceptance of elements in the U.S. proposal has revived expectations — but the emotional weight of uncertainty remains heavy.
Standing on hope’s edge
Among the hostages’ relatives, emotions are raw and conflicted. Viki Cohen, whose 21-year-old son Nimrod was kidnapped in October 2023, said she awoke with a mix of “hope and expectation” — yet admitted a deep fear that negotiations could collapse. According to reporting, 20 hostages are still believed alive. newssniffer.co.uk
Another relative, Udi Goren, whose cousin Tal Haimi was killed and whose body remains in Gaza, spoke of optimism that a deal might be reached at last
What Hamas accepted — and what they rejected
Hamas agreed to release all remaining hostages, both living and deceased, in line with the U.S. plan’s terms. They also indicated willingness to hand over Gaza’s governance to technocrats as part of transitional arrangements.
However, Hamas withheld commitment to full disarmament, a central condition in the plan. Negotiations on other major issues are to continue
A delicate moment
For families, the developments are not a guarantee but a rare opening. One family statement noted: “For the first time in so many long and painful months, our hearts dare to believe … that the release of Eitan — and of all hostages … may finally be near.” But they tempered that hope with anxiety.
The path ahead is uncertain. Any misstep in talks, renewed violence, or failure to secure guarantees could dash expectations. As one family member warned, they have seen ceasefire chances missed before.
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