Families of US hostages thank Biden, Trump for deal
The families of the 7 US citizens still held in Gaza respond to the imminent hostage and ceasefire deal, call on all parties to 'stay committed' to the agreement so that all hostages are returned.
Stories written by the Israel National News team have been compiled and edited by several news writers
The families of the 7 US citizens still held in Gaza respond to the imminent hostage and ceasefire deal, call on all parties to 'stay committed' to the agreement so that all hostages are returned.

According to the report, Hamas will first release the living hostages and then the bodies of the murdered hostages.

US President-elect says 'epic' ceasefire deal could only have been reached because of his election, vows to work with Israel to ensure Gaza 'never again becomes a terrorist safe haven.'

The members of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum urgently called for a framework that ensures the return of every person held captive.

A group of right-wing activists from Judea and Samaria were arrested and held for 10 hours without being questioned or told why they were arrested after their friend told them he was an 'undercover agent.'

The Bibas family commented on reports that their family members will be released in the first phase of the deal and asked the public not to spread rumors.

Democratic Congressman from New York criticises Gov. Kathy Hochul for failing to mention antisemitism even once in her State of the State speech and 140-page report.

Outgoing President Joe Biden writes that he ran for president 4 years ago because he 'believed that the soul of America was at stake,' tells American people 'history is in your hands.'

Former US Ambassador to Israel says he will not "second guess" decision of the Israeli Premier to sign proposed ceasefire with Hamas, calls on critics to approach issue with "humility."

New, advanced security cameras used to allow Hamas to harm IDF soldiers were brought into Gaza on humanitarian aid trucks entering from Israel.

'Ben Gurion believed that Israel's northern border should be the Litani River': Dr. Omri Abadi presents findings of Jewish life in southern Lebanon over the centuries.

Photographer documents IDF soldiers in Netzarim Corridor, against a full moonrise and symbol of hostages in skies over Gaza.

Haredi newspapers criticize Defense Minister Katz on draft law outline: 'Empires and kingdoms stronger than the current government in Israel have not succeeded in preventing Jews from studying Torah.'

CENTCOM commander General Michael Kurilla meets IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, discussing regional threats, courses of action to address them, and potential scenarios on various fronts.

Israel demanding IDF presence within Rafah, right to veto release of certain terrorists, report says.

'Israel has systematically harmed only alternative to Hamas, which is the PA. Attacks by extremist residents on Palestinians have reached an all-time high,' Secretary of State Antony Blinken claims.

Two soldiers severely injured, one lightly injured after military vehicle drives over an explosive in Qabatiya.

'I consider these matters quietly, behind closed doors, in a very substantive, serious, insightful, and in-depth discussion,' says Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on emerging hostage deal.

Knesset House Committee approves request of MK Idan Roll to leave the Yesh Atid party. 11 Knesset members vote in favor, one abstains.

Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs responds to Ben Gvir's claim that he prevented the advancement of a hostage release deal, says that the only side that has thus far prevented a deal is Hamas.

South Korea’s impeached President, Yoon Suk Yeol, arrested by local authorities. Arrest warrant was issued for him following his controversial martial law decree.

Genesis Prize announces President of Argentina Javier Milei as the winner of the 2025 prize, which is known as “The Jewish Nobel Prize”.

Iranian Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif accuses Israel of planting explosives in centrifuge technology purchased by Iran for its nuclear program. The timing of the alleged incident remains unclear.

MK Ohad Tal (Religious Zionist Party) objects to hostage deal with Hamas in speech at Mar-a-Lago.

Tuvia Smotrich, brother of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, calls for elections, says the government "contradicts the most important core promise of the post-October 7 era."

Following threats by Chairman of Otzma Yehudit to resign in the event of a deal approval, PM makes offer to Ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir, on condition that they remain in the government.

Arkansas Senator reacts to disruption of Pete Hegseth's Senate confirmation hearing by the anti-Israel Code Pink group.

Major demonstration, with hostage and bereaved families, held on Tuesday in Jerusalem calls on Prime Minister not to agree to deal that does not include all hostages, '

Head of Samaria Council Yossi Dagan and MK Ohad Tal participate in official conference at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Dagan met with Mike Huckabee, designated ambassador to Israel and will launch a lobby for Judea and Samaria at the American Congress.

Georgian citizen accused of being offered $200,000 to gather intelligence and carry out assassination of leader of local Jewish community on behalf of Iran

Hizb ut-Tahrir, which has been banned in many countries including the UK and Germany, cancels conference on how 'Muslims can regain their rightful position in the world' after outcry.

Representatives of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum met with Prime Minister Netanyahu in Jerusalem. 'We are united in our primary goal - bringing home all the hostages.'

Several of the hostages' families reported they were not allowed to join the hostage families meeting with PM Netanyahu.

Secretary Blinken delivers remarks on the Middle East at the Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C., says "much of the heavy lifting" on Israel-Saudi normalization is done.

#UnMaskHateNY publishes results of survey finding 75% of New Yorkers support revival of bans on masking in public as anti-Israel activists frequently wear masks during hate-filled demonstrations and while committing hate crimes.

Brooklyn judge chastises 4 students who refused plea deal for digging illegal tunnel underneath the Chabad headquarters in Crown Heights.

The suspect arrived at a checkpoint wearing an Israeli uniform and driving a car equipped with emergency lights.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sharren Haskel discussed the emerging hostage deal and said that 'we will soon see whether the other side is genuinely interested in reaching an agreement.'

Family members of hostages in Gaza disrupted the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee session protesting the emerging deal that will only bring some of the hostages home in its first stage.

A source familiar with the negotiations responded to Minister Ben-Gvir's concerns regarding the emerging deal, saying that new pressures had forced Hamas to compromise.
