The families of Hamas’s remaining hostages face a critical juncture. Phase one of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage exchange mandates the release of nine more living hostages by month’s end, including three released on Saturday, along with additional deceased hostages. The release of the remaining living hostages hinges on a yet-unagreed-upon phase two.

Recent propaganda releases by Hamas show hostages in increasingly dire condition, suffering from malnutrition, untreated wounds, and severe mental deterioration. Reports detail their months-long confinement in dark, damp tunnels, chained and subjected to inhumane treatment.

The hostages’ confirmed suffering intensifies pressure on the Israeli government to accelerate their release. While not advocating an “all-or-nothing” approach, the demand is for a faster phase one and an extension beyond the phase two deadline.

We interviewed relatives of freed hostages. Elan Tiv Siegel, daughter of a recently released 65-year-old Israeli-American, described her father’s significant weight loss (65 pounds) due to malnutrition, yet his resilience.

Similarly, a 24-year-old woman, though outwardly composed, sustained a severe arm injury requiring extensive surgery and rehabilitation, and also experienced severe dietary deficiencies, according to her sister Yarden.

All interviewees credit President Trump’s involvement with breaking the months-long deadlock. While favoring a swift release, they express concern about jeopardizing the ceasefire, acknowledging Hamas’s terrorist nature.

Despite the grim circumstances, a glimmer of hope for the hostages’ eventual release is emerging.