As the vigil for hostages in Gaza enters its fourth month, families express deepening anguish and frustration, feeling abandoned amid shifting global attention. Hopes for a swift release have faded, exacerbated by recent events such as the presumed assassination of Saleh Al-Arouri, Hamas deputy leader, and political disputes over Gaza's future post-war.
Rebecca Brindza, a former Tel Aviv executive, who joined a self-help group for hostage families, said, "There's an aspect of hopelessness. A lot of us feel like the world kind of stopped on October 7th."
Of the 240 people captured on October 7, nearly half were released during a brief truce in November. Stories of survivors like nine-year-old Emily Hand and 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz drew global attention. However, for families with loved ones still in Gaza, uncertainty prevails.
Sharon Alony-Cunio, whose husband remains captive, emphasized the urgency, stating, "Every minute that they wait can cost them their lives."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has labeled bringing the hostages home a "sacred mission" but emphasizes military pressure on Hamas. He said, "We will not give Hamas any immunity whatsoever."
Analysts, however, question the feasibility of both defeating Hamas and securing the hostages, suggesting a complex and challenging equation.
As Israel continues its invasion of Gaza, world attention has shifted to the growing death toll among Palestinians, nearing 23,000, and away from the hostages and the 1,200 Israelis and foreigners killed by Hamas on the war's first day.
The mood contrasts with the emotional outpouring seen in November when hostages returned home. For some, who hoped to build bridges with Palestinians, there's a realization that they underestimated the threat from Hamas.
While most of Israel supports the military operation, hostage families appear ambivalent, aware of the dangers the prolonged fighting poses.
The exact number of hostages still alive remains unclear, with at least 23 declared dead by Israeli authorities. The accidental death of three escaped hostages last month highlighted the risks faced by those still in Gaza.
Sharon Alony-Cunio stressed the priority of citizens' safety: "I understand the importance of returning security to the area, but not at the expense of our citizens. The citizens must come before all else."
For those who have returned, the ordeal's memory lingers, unable to return to their homes near Gaza while the invasion continues, leaving the families torn apart and facing an uncertain wait.