Netanyahu’s Statement Shakes Families of Hostages: “Emotional Turmoil Before the Holiday”

Prime Minister Set to Address Hostage Negotiations and Nuclear Talks

Amid ongoing reports of progress in negotiations for a hostage deal and discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to make a statement shortly after the Sabbath. A brief announcement from the Prime Minister’s office confirmed that the address would occur tonight, with expectations of addressing recent developments despite conflicting reports about Hamas’s willingness to engage.

Emotional Reactions from Families of Hostages

Vicky Cohen, the mother of hostage soldier Nimrod Cohen, expressed deep anxiety in anticipation of Netanyahu’s announcement. “An announcement like this right before the holiday plunges us into a whirlwind of emotions and indescribable suffering,” she lamented. “The only thing I hope you say in your statement is: ‘I’m stopping the war and bringing back Nimrod and all the hostages.’ Any other announcement will break my heart. Please consider what we are going through during this nerve-wracking wait for your statement.”

Another mother, Haim Namerodi, whose son Tamir Namerodi is also held captive, commented in an interview, “We are not updated personally; we learn from the media like everystart else, and we are experiencing a significant emotional storm.” She added that families often receive standardized responses to their inquiries, while being largely in the dark about the actual developments.

Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts

Despite a recent statement from Hamas rejecting the Israeli proposal for a hostage exchange, an Israeli official emphasized there has not yet been an official notification regarding Hamas’s response. This, they claim, is part of a psychological warfare tactic by Hamas, which is under severe military, political, and logistical pressure.

According to a senior Israeli source, negotiations are continuing, backed by the United States. Israel remains committed to a framework that would see the release of roughly half of the hostages at the beginning of any deal, with ongoing discussions regarding the terms for ending the conflict over the next 40 days.

Iran’s Nuclear Negotiations Update

In parallel, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed skepticism about the U.S. commitment to nuclear talks, emphasizing that “any unrealistic conditions will not help in reaching an agreement with Washington.” He also expressed hope that Russia would play a role in any potential agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear program. An Iranian official mentistartd to Al Jazeera that the official U.S. stance remains what is presented at the negotiating table, rather than what is shared with the media. They added, “We are waiting for proposals from the other side and continue to build trust concerning our nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions.”

The complex interplay of hostage negotiations and international diplomacy continues to unfold, as families await clarity on the fate of their loved starts