Mother of hostage says ‘I let myself be more optimistic’ over possible deal

The mother of an Israeli hostage held in Gaza since October 7 says she has allowed herself to feel some optimism as hostage-truce talks ramp up in Cairo and Doha this week.

Speaking during a Zoom press conference, the families of four young women still being held hostage discuss psychological support and adaptation strategies for returning hostages.

Orly Gilboa, the mother of Daniella Gilboa, 20, says, “I can see her in a very bad mental situation.”

“It’s a very hard day, but I let myself be more optimistic because we understand there is a deal on the table,” Gilboa says. “I call on the prime minister not to give up and to make this deal.”

Earlier today, Gilboa’s family allowed the full release in Israeli media of a Hamas propaganda video disseminated by the terror group in January.

Shlomi Berger, the father of hostage Agam Berger, 20 says at the press conference: “I speak to the international community, make Hamas bring back all the hostages and if that won’t happen, it will never end.” He calls on Netanyahu to finalize a deal with Hamas before he heads to the US to speak to Congress on July 24.