Families of Gaza hostages face ongoing ordeal

In Tel Aviv, the tension is palpable for Yael Alexander, who has been closely monitoring the release of hostages from Gaza over the past several weeks. Although she rejoices for those who have been freed, her joy is dampened by the absence of her son Edan’s name on the list, an American-Israeli still held captive for over 500 days. This fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas brings with it hopes and uncertainties for families like Alexander’s, who are yearning for their loved ones’ return.

“This is a critical time,” Yael expressed, as her mind continues to race with thoughts of her son, a soldier taken by Hamas-led militants at 19 years old. “I imagine he’s languishing in tunnels, deprived of sunlight and breathing the suffocating air underground,” she added, the thought almost unbearable to her.

The ceasefire, which has temporarily put a halt to a 15-month conflict in Gaza, remains in a precarious state, especially with its initial phase nearing its close this week. A proposed second phase, which would involve the release of the remaining hostages from Hamas’s attack in October 2023, in return for more Palestinian prisoners and a lasting ceasefire, hangs in the balance. As negotiations have yet to begin, families remain gripped by anxiety over the future.

The release criteria during the ceasefire’s first phase did not include soldiers like Edan. Instead, the focus was on releasing specific hostages, including women and elderly or infirmed men, in exchange for a significant number of Palestinian prisoners. Every week, Yael hoped against hope that her son’s name might miraculously appear on the release list, each omission felt like a fresh wound. Yet, she harbors dreams of being reunited with Edan, drawing inspiration from other families who have experienced such joy.

Pinning her hopes on diplomatic efforts, Yael finds some solace in the Trump administration’s engagement. Steve Witkoff, the special envoy to the Middle East, emphasized Edan’s case on national television, affirming that his situation was a top priority. “Whenever they mention his name, it reassures me that he hasn’t been forgotten,” Yael said, holding onto each semblance of hope with every mention.

As the delicate ceasefire confronts multiple challenges, the situation for hostage families becomes increasingly desperate. Israel recently paused the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners due to what it perceived as “humiliating” conditions set by Hamas. Meanwhile, political pressures mount on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume military actions. The uncertainty leaves families of the 27 hostages believed to still be alive, and the memories of 35 who died either in the October attack or subsequently, in a prolonged state of distress.

Hamas’s recent tactics further intensified these sentiments. The group recently published footage of hostages forced to witness others’ release, stoking fears as their families noted the emotional strain this inflicts. Galia David, the mother of one of the hostages depicted in the video, described it as a painful display, urging urgent action to prevent more extended suffering. “Their situation is dire, and the psychological toll is evident,” she lamented.

In November, Edan Alexander appeared in a Hamas video during Thanksgiving, a family holiday dear to him. Though disturbing to view, the video provided a glimmer of hope to Yael, reassuring her he might still be alive. Originally from Tenafly, New Jersey, Edan moved to Israel post-high school in 2022, joining the military shortly thereafter. His family splits their time across continents, continuously engaging with U.S. officials and remaining steadfast in their quest for Edan’s release.

In Israel, the Alexander family commemorates Edan through various gestures, such as placing a Torah scroll in his grandparents’ Tel Aviv residence. Yael visits there regularly to pray, holding onto hope and sending strength to Edan. Her longing for action evolves into a persistent refrain. “The conversations seem endless,” she said, wearing a sticker that marks the number of days Edan has been detained. “There are many young men like my son, alive and yearning for freedom.”

With eyes brimming with tears, she clings to the hope of a day when she’ll be summoned to Israel to bring Edan home, a moment she’s dreamed of countless times.