After the release of a propaganda video, optimism for the Hamas hostage deal is growing somewhat

NEW YORK – Calls to bring Israeli hostages home grew louder in New York City on Sunday.

The father of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, who grew up in New Jersey, spoke during a rally in Central Park.

As he called for an agreement to be reached, he said he wanted his son to stay strong.

What a Hamas propaganda video it shows

More than 400 days have passed since the war began – more than 400 days in which families have not seen their loved ones kidnapped by Hamas.

This includes 20-year-old Alexander from Tenafly, New Jersey, a swimmer, Knicks fan and Boy Scout who joined the Israel Defense Forces after high school.

“I stand here after seeing my son alive for the first time in over a year,” said Adi Alexander.

A Hamas propaganda videowhich was released on Saturday, shows Edan Alexander, who was most likely told what to say in the footage. His father said it gave him a glimmer of hope but only rekindled his family’s pleas to bring him home.

“On the other hand, it was really emotional and worrying, but we are happy to get this sign of life. He looked good, a little pale, but he looked okay to me,” Adi Alexander said.

Talks about ceasefire, hostage deals are increasing

Edan Alexander’s mother, Yael Alexander, spoke at the so-called “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv on Saturday, saying in Hebrew that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had told her family that “conditions were ripe for a hostage deal.”

“I will be speaking to the families of all American hostages this week, including Edan’s family,” said Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser.

Sullivan spoke on CBS Face the nation about the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza.

“I think Hamas is feeling the pressure,” Sullivan said. “They may be re-examining the possibility of a ceasefire and hostage-taking agreement, and we are actively working with all key players in the region, including Israel and Turkey as well as Qatar and Egypt, to try to achieve this.”

December also begins the Hebrew month of Kislev, known as the Month of Miracles because of Hanukkah, making it even more difficult for these families.

“Listen, we haven’t been on vacation for a year. “It’s very hard,” said Adi Alexander.

His message to his son is: “You stay strong, survive, and we are here for you.”

And his message to global leaders is: Strength means nothing if it is not matched by action.