More than two years after their loved ones were taken on 7 October 2023, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters has welcomed news of the deal “with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and concern”.
They say in a statement: “The Hostages Families Forum welcomes the signing of this agreement, designed to bring all the hostages home – the living for rehabilitation with their families, and the deceased for proper burial in their homeland.
“This represents important and meaningful progress toward bringing everyone home, but our struggle is not over and will not end until the last hostage returns.
“The hostage families wish to express their profound gratitude to President Trump and his team for the leadership and determination that led to this historic breakthrough: an end to the war and a comprehensive agreement to return all the hostages.
“The Israeli government must convene immediately to approve the agreement. Any delay could exact a heavy toll on the hostages and soldiers.
“There are 48 hostages held by Hamas. Our moral and national obligation is to bring them all home – both the living and the deceased.
“Their return is essential to the healing and recovery of Israeli society as a whole. We will not rest until the last hostage comes home.”
Celebrations as Trump announces Israel and Hamas have signed off first phase of Gaza plan
