In a striking show of support, Israel’s Hostages and Missing Families Forum has praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly unveiled Gaza peace proposal, calling it “historic” and hopeful for its potential to bring captives home. However, many realize that words of praise interrupt a path still filled with uncertainty.
Who Is the Hostage Forum?
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum (Hebrew: Forum for Hostages and Missing Persons) is an Israeli organization formed by relatives of people abducted during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack or whose status remains unresolved.
Wikipedia
The forum works to advocate for these families, push for negotiations to release captives, and maintain public and political attention on their plight.
Wikipedia
When the latest peace plan was announced, the forum issued a public statement that included the Jewish blessing Shehecheyanu — traditionally said to mark a unique or special moment — signaling that they see Trump’s plan as an exceptional opportunity.
The Times of Israel
Praise for the Plan
In its statement, the forum said the plan aligns with its core goals: namely, a rapid and full return of hostages to their families, and an end to Hamas’s control over military and governing operations.
The Times of Israel
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One group, known as the Tikva Forum (a subset representing more hard-line hostage families), stated that it “approves” of the plan because it promises the abductees’ return in one single stage, ends Hamas’s rule in Gaza, and removes its threat.
The Times of Israel
By voicing support, the forum and affiliated families are signaling that they see the plan not merely as another diplomatic initiative, but as a chance to close one of the war’s most painful chapters — the fate of hostages.
What the Plan Offers
Trump’s proposal — which has backing from Israel and requires acceptance by Hamas — includes several key clauses aimed at addressing hostage concerns:
Return of all hostages (alive or deceased) within 72 hours if both sides agree and Israel publicly accepts the plan.
Arab News
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i24NEWS
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After hostage return, Israel would release 250 long-sentence prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained since the start of the war, prioritizing women and children.
Arab News
Demilitarization of Hamas: infrastructure, tunnels, and military resources would be dismantled under international oversight.
i24NEWS
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Amnesty and options for Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence, as well as safe exit routes for those who wish to leave Gaza.
i24NEWS
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These elements directly respond to the core demands of the hostage families, making the forum’s support less surprising.
But Reality Is Harder
While the forum’s endorsement is significant, several serious challenges threaten the plan’s implementation.
Hamas has not agreed yet. Israel and Trump backing a plan does not guarantee Hamas will accept its terms. Without Hamas’s cooperation, hostage return cannot happen.
Trust is low. After years of conflict and broken promises, many hostages’ families and observers are skeptical whether commitments will be honored.
Verification and enforcement. Even if agreements are signed, neutral mechanisms are needed to ensure both sides adhere to the deal.
Risk of unilateral actions. Netanyahu has warned that if Hamas rejects the plan, Israel may “finish the job” itself — hinting at renewed conflict.
These factors mean that while the plan is full of promise, execution is far from guaranteed.
Why This Matters
For many Israeli citizens, especially families waiting for missing loved ones, the hostage issue is deeply personal. The public backing of the Hostage Forum gives political weight to Trump’s plan and pressures all sides to act. It also elevates hostage return from being one among many issues to a central test of each party’s sincerity.
If the plan succeeds, it would mark a momentous turn in the Gaza war — hostages freed, conflict paused, governance shifted. If it fails, the pain and tension around the hostage question will only grow.
Conclusion
Israel’s Hostages and Missing Families Forum calling Trump’s Gaza proposal “historic” sends a strong message: many see this as more than policy — it is potentially personal closure. Yet despite the powerful symbolism and hopes, the plan’s success depends on many moving parts: Hamas’s response, the ability to enforce the terms, and the willingness of all sides to keep faith. The coming days will show whether this plan becomes a bridge to healing or another delay in a long, painful struggle.