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Relatives of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip have expressed optimism that President Trump's plan for ending the war will bring their family members back safely.

One mother, whose son Nimrod is among 20 captives thought to be surviving in the territory, said she woke on the weekend with a sense of "hope and expectation", but also "apprehension that anything will fall through".

"It is a delicate situation and we hope not to be disappointed once more. Nevertheless I remain optimistic that soon I will be reunited with Nimrod and I can hug him once more."

The young man, now twenty-one years old, was a 19-year-old soldier when he was taken captive by militants near the Gaza border during the 7 October 2023 incidents. In total, 251 people were taken hostage that date, and around 1,200 others were killed.

Latest Developments

On Friday, Hamas agreed to release all the remaining Israeli hostages - including surviving and deceased - but indicated it wanted additional discussions on several key aspects outlined in the American peace proposal.

After Hamas delivered its reply, the US President wrote on Truth Social "In my opinion they are ready for a enduring CEASEFIRE", as he called on Israel to "without delay halt the airstrikes of Gaza, so that we can secure the Captives out safely and promptly!"

In a statement during the night, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said the nation was "preparing to immediately implement the initial stage of the President's plan for the prompt release of all hostages".

Family Responses

Udi Goren, whose relative Tal Haimi was fatally injured in the October 7th incidents and remains taken to Gaza where it remains, said he was hopeful that a agreement would be achieved.

"We're seeing President Trump putting his foot down and getting all parties to support him, encompassing the Arab countries and the Israeli prime minister," he said. "It's essential to ensure that there's a improved prospect for Israelis and Palestinian citizens. Now is the time for action, not for words."

His sentiments were shared by additional hostage families on Saturday.

In a statement, the family of hostage one detainee said that for "initially in numerous long and painful months, our hearts allow hope that the freedom of Eitan - and of all 47 captives [alive and deceased] - may ultimately be near. That shortly, they will return safely".

But, they added: "Our hope is tempered by significant apprehension."

"Until they return, they continue deprived of food, tortured and in constant risk of fatal injury."

Previous Chances

Gil Dickman explained he understood perfectly what it signified to miss a chance for a ceasefire deal.

His family member a relative was captured from a community and remains found from a tunnel in the region months afterward. The Israeli military said she and five other hostages had been fatally injured shortly before its soldiers arrived at them.

"What we saw recently is that Hamas gave an answer - they had some agreements with the President's proposal and certain objections, but the main thing for me is that they're prepared to proceed with this," he commented. "There have been numerous additional opportunities before that were missed" but this is a "very, very important phase in the procedure… and perhaps gets us close to getting this war over with."

Discussions between Israel and Hamas are now anticipated to resume in Egypt in the near future.