In brief
Families of Israelis held captive in Gaza are grappling with a mix of hope and anxiety following Hamas' acceptance of key points in a US peace plan. Prominent among them, Viki Cohen shares her concerns and hopes for her son Nimrod's return. As large gatherings of support rock Tel Aviv, the fate of the hostages and the prospect of peace hang in the balance, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu asserting readiness to initiate hostages' release.
Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza have conveyed a mix of hope and fear regarding US President Donald Trump's plan intended to end the conflict and potentially bring their loved ones home.
Viki Cohen, whose son Nimrod is among the 20 hostages still believed alive, articulated both optimism and dread, stating she woke up with a sense of hope and expectation but also a fear that something will go wrong. She remarked on the fragile situation, expressing her desire to embrace her son again.
Nimrod was a 19-year-old soldier when kidnapped by Hamas during the attacks on October 7, 2023, a day which saw 251 hostages taken and around 1,200 others killed.
In a recent development, Hamas has indicated willingness to release all Israeli hostages but seeks further negotiations regarding specific aspects of the US peace plan. Following this, Trump expressed confidence regarding peace prospects, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to announce readiness to implement the initial phase of the plan for swift hostages' release.
Prospective negotiations between Israel and Hamas are set to continue in Egypt in the next few days.
This weekend, tens of thousands assembled in Tel Aviv to support the peace deal, with families of hostages addressing the masses. The atmosphere oscillated between despair and hope, as chants of bring them home resonated throughout the crowd.
Former hostage Omer Shem Tov emphasized the importance of the deal's enforcement, urging cooperation from Trump to safeguard the agreement. Leaders within the crowd expressed that this moment feels crucial, echoing sentiments of urgency intertwined with fear of potential setbacks.
Even as families express cautious optimism for their loved ones' return, they are acutely aware of the pain that past experiences and missed opportunities have inflicted. The stakes remain high as negotiations unfold, leaving everyone involved hoping for resolution and peace.
