Due to fear of rescue:
Terrorists chained Eliya Cohen to other hostages due to fear of rescue
Sigi Cohen, mother of released hostage Eliya Cohen, tells of her son's time in captivity.
Stories written by the Israel National News team have been compiled and edited by several news writers
Sigi Cohen, mother of released hostage Eliya Cohen, tells of her son's time in captivity.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog speaks at the 22nd Jerusalem Conference, urging unity among Israelis. ' The people of Israel are extraordinary — diverse, fascinating — and each family has its own story.'

As per the family's request, the funeral will be limited to invitees only, but the public may honor the memory of Shiri and her sons Ariel and Kfir, accompanying the funeral procession by holding Israeli flags along the roadside.

Israeli journalist and soccer announcer Saeed Hassanein called the IDF an occupying army and Israel an enemy.

Released hostage Keith Siegel published a video message to US President Trump urging him to continue pushing for the release of the hostages.

Israel Prize laureate and presidential candidate Miriam Peretz stresses need for unity, sharing the Jewish nation's eternal lessons on how to grow from crises.

Ehud Olmert reveals map proposed to Mahmoud Abbas in 2008 for Israeli-Palestinian peace, depicting a Palestinian state on 94% of the 'West Bank'. It included land swaps and a governance plan for holy sites.

Hamas spokesman in Gaza says terror group willing to agree to proposal to free hostages in order to end crisis and free terrorists.

Light snow falls in Jerusalem as storm 'Coral' reaches its peak, snow expected to become light rainfall later on.

Syria's newly appointed President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, invited to attend emergency Arab League summit in Cairo on March 4, a significant step in rebuilding Syria's relations with the Arab world following the fall of Assad.

Around 2,000 employees at US Agency for International Development will be laid off, while most of the remaining full-time staff will be placed on administrative leave.

Sigi Cohen, mother of Eliya who was freed from Hamas captivity, speaks about his observance of mitzvot while in captivity.

Germany’s conservative opposition leader, Friedrich Merz, secures victory in national election, while Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieves strongest showing for German far-right since World War II.

White House expresses support for Israel’s decision to delay the release of more than 600 terrorist prisoners, says Trump "prepared to support Israel in whatever course of action it chooses regarding Hamas.”

Thousands rally with hostage family members and captivity survivors in Central Park, demanding immediate action: “Phase 2 of the deal must move forward — we cannot leave anyone behind.”

Security agencies recommend government restrict access to Temple Mount during month of Ramadan for men over 55, women over 50, and children under 12.

Video shows Hamas terrorists forcing Omer to kiss the terrorists' foreheads.

The European Union Ministers of Foreign Affairs Conference (Association Council Meeting) will take place tomorrow in Brussels with the participation of Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’a.

The families of captivity survivors Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, Eliya Cohen, and Tal Shoham, addressed the press after their loved ones' release.

According to the IDF, readiness was increased in light of several alerts. 'There are currently no changes to the Home Front Command guidelines,' the IDF stated.

While scanning buses at the terminal, another explosion was heard nearby, and the team went to investigate as the third explosion occurred.

The American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) network will announce the signing of a resolution reaffirming the Jewish people’s right to Judea and Samaria.

Following court's recommendation, attorney on behalf of the petitioners offered the municipality a compromise, but the latter refused and insisted businesses open on the Sabbath.

An inspection of the truck's contents turned up 650 smartphones, dozens of SIM cards, three projectors, and various spare parts for vehicles. The driver was arrested and taken for questioning.

The families of captivity survivors Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed addressed the media, Sha'aban al-Sayed attacked Hamas: 'We saw Hamas making spins and cheap politics on the back of a mentally ill person.'

Snow begins to fall in the higher neighborhoods of Jerusalem. On Monday, the weather will be partly cloudy to cloudy, with temperatures lower than usual.

'We are suffering indescribable pain,' says Ofri Bibas, sister of Yarden, who learned of his wife and sons' murder after his release from Hamas captivity.

The unique mezuzah, crafted from trees damaged in the terrorist attack at the Nova music festival in Re'im, was presented this week to the Israeli Consulate in New York.

Netanyahu held up a photo of the Bibas family, who were murdered in captivity in Gaza, and stated: 'Against this we fight, and we must and can defeat those monsters - we will defeat them.'

'Warm embrace, love and strength that you have sent us from all over Israel and the world strengthen us and accompany us during these moments of crisis,' say family members of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir.

Aharon Rabi, the grandfather of Eliya Cohen, who returned from Hamas captivity after over 500 days, recited the Havdalah prayer and shared the emotional reunion with his grandson, the hardships he went through in captivity, and his strengthened faith.

White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said he will arrive in the region on Wednesday to discuss an extension to phase one of the hostage and ceasefire deal.

Iris Haim speaks about the letter released hostage Karina Ariev sent her, 'Yotam's words kept me going during captivity.'

As IAF jets flew over a funeral ceremony for the Hezbollah leader, the IDF published footage of his demise.

Niva Wenkert shared a moving and funny story about the moment she reunited with her son after his release from Hamas captivity. 'Mom, I brought you something from the duty-free.'

The ISA and Police uncovered a substantial smuggling ring from the Negev and Judea and Samaria that would smuggle large sums of weapons from Jordan to Judea and Samaria.

The Israel Police have banned released Hamas prisoners from Temple Mount, aiming to prevent conflicts during Ramadan.

In meeting with Iranian officials, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says his country has paid too high a price for the Palestinian cause.

Tens of thousands of people gathered for the funerals of Hezbollah's longtime secretary general and his successor Hashem Safieddine in Beirut.

Israeli Defense Minister says the IDF aircraft that flew over Beirut during the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah send a clear message to the terrorist organization.
