Families of Gaza hostages endure ongoing ordeal

In Tel Aviv, Yael Alexander has been closely following the progression of hostage releases from Gaza, feeling a blend of happiness, jealousy, and anxiety. Her son, Edan, an American-Israeli held for over 500 days, remains unlisted among those set for freedom. With the fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas under scrutiny, families of hostages still in Gaza are endeavoring to remain hopeful for a reunion with their loved ones.

“This is a pivotal moment,” stated Alexander, whose son was 19 and a soldier at the time of his capture by Hamas-led militants. “I am aware that my son is likely in tunnels, deprived of sunlight, with sparse air underground,” Alexander explained. “It’s excruciating to even imagine.”

Since the ceasefire that halted the 15-month conflict in Gaza is nearing its initial conclusion, its continuation is uncertain. Both sides were to negotiate a second phase, where Hamas would swap all remaining hostages from their Oct. 7, 2023 attack for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and a full Israeli retreat from Gaza. However, those discussions have not commenced, leaving hostage families anxious and seeking progress.

Edan Alexander’s release was not anticipated in the initial ceasefire phase, which involved Hamas freeing 33 hostages—mainly women and older or ill men—for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. Each week, Yael Alexander finds herself hoping to see her son’s name on the release roster, only to endure yet another disappointment. While she rejoices for the reunited families, she longs for her own tearful reunion with Edan.

Alexander places her hopes on intervention from the Trump administration. The special envoy to the Middle East has publicly acknowledged Edan’s case as a priority, igniting hope for his mother. Each affirmation of Edan’s name strengthens her belief that his American ties are remembered, and efforts are ongoing. She credits the administration’s pressure tactics and diplomatic engagement for achieving the ceasefire.

The unstable ceasefire faces hurdles, including recent delays by Israel in releasing Palestinian prisoners, citing dissatisfaction with the manner of hostage handovers in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also receives calls to resume military actions against Hamas.

Currently, 27 hostages in Gaza, presumed alive, are eligible for release in the ceasefire’s second phase. The remains of 35 others, either killed during the attack or in captivity, are also withheld. Families are intensifying demands on the Israeli government to negotiate further hostage releases.

Adding to the urgency, Hamas’s recent video displaying hostages witnessing others’ release heightened families’ desperation. According to the video, hostages pleaded for their liberation while observing others leave. Families condemned the video as manipulative, emphasizing the urgent nature of negotiations.

A prior video of Edan Alexander over the Thanksgiving period, his cherished holiday, depicted him appealing for assistance—an emotional, yet relieving testament to his well-being. Edan, originally from New Jersey, moved to Israel after finishing high school in 2022 and joined the military. Since his capture, his family alternates between Israel, Washington, D.C., and New Jersey to lobby for his release.

In his grandparents’ Tel Aviv apartment, the family set a Torah scroll in his room, maintaining their spiritual connection. Whenever in Israel, Yael Alexander visits the room to pray, sending positive thoughts to her son, frequently dreaming of him. Tired of endless discussions, she seeks tangible outcomes.

Expressing frustration over stagnant talks, Yael Alexander gestures at a sticker on her jacket indicating the 506 days of her son’s captivity. “We have over two dozen young men like my son, alive and waiting for freedom,” she remarked. “I look forward to the call urging me to return to Israel to bring Edan home,” she added tearfully.