Rubi Chen, father of fallen hostage Itai Chen, addressed statements by Hamas and U.S. President Donald Trump, saying there is “cautious optimism.” According to him, “I support President Trump’s statement to halt the Israeli attack in order to maximize the opportunity to release all hostages. My family has been waiting two years for the return of my son, a hero of Israel. President Trump gives me hope that the day we reunite with Itai is near.” Einav Tzangauker, mother of hostage Matan Tzangauker, posted Trump’s response to Hamas’s answer on X, writing: “Did you read that, Netanyahu?”
