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Relatives of Israelis held hostage in Gaza have voiced optimism that President Trump's proposal for ending the war will bring their loved ones home.

Vicky Cohen, whose child Nimrod is among twenty captives thought to be alive in the territory, said she woke on Saturday with a feeling of "hope and anticipation", but also "apprehension that anything will fall through".

"It is a delicate circumstance and we don't want to be disappointed again. Nevertheless I remain optimistic that soon I will see my son and I can embrace him once more."

Nimrod, now aged 21, was a 19-year-old soldier when he was taken captive by militants near the border area during the 7 October 2023 attacks. In total, two hundred fifty-one people were taken hostage that day, and around 1,200 others were killed.

Recent Updates

On Friday, the group agreed to free every one of the outstanding Israel's captives - including living and deceased - but stated it wanted further discussions on several critical aspects outlined in the American peace proposal.

After Hamas submitted its reply, Trump wrote on social media "In my opinion they are ready for a enduring CEASEFIRE", as he called on the Israeli government to "immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can secure the Hostages out securely and quickly!"

In a response overnight, Israel's leader Netanyahu said the nation was "getting ready to right away execute the initial stage of the President's plan for the prompt freedom of every captives".

Family Responses

Udi Goren, whose relative a family member was killed in the October 7th incidents and his body taken to the coastal territory where it is still held, said he was hopeful that a deal would be reached.

"It appears President Trump putting his foot down and getting everybody to support him, including the Middle Eastern nations and the Israeli prime minister," he stated. "It's essential to make sure that there exists a better future for Israeli people and Palestinians. Now is the time for deeds, not for words."

His sentiments were shared by additional captive families on Saturday.

In a declaration, the relatives of hostage one detainee said that for "the first time in so many long and painful periods, our feelings dare to believe that the freedom of their relative - and of all 47 hostages [living and deceased] - may finally be imminent. That soon, they will return safely".

But, they added: "Our hope is tempered by great fear."

"Before they return, they remain deprived of food, tortured and in continuous risk of fatal injury."

Previous Opportunities

Gil Dickman explained he understood too well what it signified to lose a opportunity for a ceasefire deal.

His cousin Carmel Gat was captured from a community and remains found from a tunnel in the region months afterward. The defense forces said she and five other hostages had been fatally injured shortly before its soldiers reached them.

"The development yesterday is that Hamas gave an response - they had some agreements with Trump's proposal and some disagreements, but the main thing for me is that they're willing to go through with this," he commented. "We've had numerous additional chances before that were lost" but this is a "extremely crucial stage in the process… and maybe gets us close to getting this conflict concluded."

Discussions between Israeli officials and Hamas are now expected to restart in the neighboring country in the coming days.