Parents of IDF soldier held by Hamas fear he may be among last released as hopes for ceasefire fade

Hope for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has diminished, causing disappointment for Israeli families like Yehuda and Vicky Cohen. Their son, Nimrod, is among approximately 20 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.

Yehuda searches for a plastic bag in a room, seeking a precious item - a blackened Rubik's Cube belonging to Nimrod, found in his burnt-out tank after the October 7th attacks. Nimrod's mother, Vicky, shared that he enjoys PlayStation and Rubik's Cube, and the recovered cube was returned to the family.

Despite the fluctuating hopes of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, Nimrod's parents, Yehuda and Vicky, expressed their emotional turmoil as they navigate the situation. Vicky remains hopeful of seeing Nimrod again, despite the recent setback in talks between Israel and Hamas.

While the return of the Israeli delegation does not signify a collapse of ceasefire discussions, US envoy Steve Witkoff noted Hamas' apparent lack of willingness in response to the latest proposals. The uncertainty continues for the families of the hostages.

Yehuda Cohen, Nimrod's father, acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the need for a ceasefire and a hostage agreement to secure the release of all hostages. Nimrod's bedroom remains unchanged since he left for his army duties, with his personal belongings returned to the family by the IDF.

Nimrod, who turned 21 while in captivity, is one of the 20 living Israeli hostages in Gaza. Even if a deal is reached, it is anticipated to secure the release of only half of the hostages initially, with soldiers like Nimrod likely to be among the last to be freed.