Families cautiously optimistic that Israeli hostages may soon be free
Share:
Relatives watch and wait as talks to broker ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continue in Qatar. The families of Israeli hostages held captive for 15 months in the Gaza Strip have voiced cautious optimism their loved ones may soon be free as talks to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continued in Qatar.
“The reports suggesting a potential deal to secure the release of our loved ones offer a glimmer of hope, though we remain cautious,” a statement from the families released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters said on Tuesday. “Our hearts are filled with both hope and apprehension as we await concrete developments. In these sensitive times, it is our shared responsibility to exercise care and consideration.”.
The hopes of the families have been raised and dashed numerous times since the 7 October 2023 attack when their relatives were captured by Hamas in the attack that triggered the conflict. During the temporary ceasefire of November 2023, 81 Israelis held in Gaza were freed in exchange for 240 Palestinians in Israeli jails.
“Every day you fear the worst,” Moshe Emilio Lavi – whose brother-in-law, Omri Miran, is among the hostages – told the Guardian. “Time ran out a long time ago. The international community completely failed. Our government failed by not prioritising their release enough.”.