Hostage relatives cautiously optimistic for loved ones’ release

Families of hostages are expressing cautious hopes that their loved ones could be returned in the coming days after Israel and Hamas seemed to move closer to a deal, though details must still be hashed out.

Yael Adar, the mother of slain captive Tamir Adar, tells 103FM that she believes US President Donald Trump will succeed in pushing a deal over the finish line, but is still anxious.

“These passing hours are filled with turmoil and anxiety,” she says. “This is now the real test of whether this is real.”

Sylvia Cunio, mother of hostages Ariel and David Cunio, says she is already envisioning their reunion.

“I really hope I’ll see them this week, I’m dreaming of the moment I hug them and we can be together, eating together, laughing,” she says.

Former hostage Keith Siegel, who was freed in February, says he learned the hard way not to rely on predictions of hostages being released, recounting that when his wife Aviva was let go in a ceasefire in November 2023, he was told he would be freed the next day.

“I’m optimistic, but together with that, the optimism is cautious. There were times in my captivity when there were talks and it seemed that I would soon be released,” he tells Channel 12 news. “I’ve learned until they are all home, it’s not over.”

Talks are set to take place in Cairo Monday aimed at nailing down the release of the remaining 48 hostages, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive.