Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement: Families of hostages react with ‘overwhelming joy’, but fear implementation

As Israel and Hamas reach a ceasefire deal, the loved ones of those who were taken hostage have reacted with “profound gratitude”, thanking President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden for securing the safe return of those still alive.

“We, the families of 98 hostages, welcome with overwhelming joy and relief the agreement to bring our loved ones home,” The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters said in a statement released after news of the deal broke.

“We wish to express our profound gratitude to President-elect Trump, President Biden, both administrations and the international mediators for making this possible.

“Since November 2023, we have been anxiously awaiting this moment, and now, after over 460 days of our family members being held in Hamas tunnels, we are closer than ever to reuniting with our loved ones.

The group celebrated the “significant step forward”, welcoming that they were “closer to seeing all hostages return - the living to rehabilitation, and the deceased for proper burial.”

Despite the welcomed developments, the group acknowledged the “deep anxiety and concerns” that the agreement may not be “fully implemented”, fearing hostages being left behind.

“We will not rest until we see the last hostage back home.”