prisoner swap

Next hostages to be released Saturday night

Following the release of Romi, Emily, and Doron, 94 hostages, living and dead, remain in Gaza; 30 will be released in the next 41 days.

'Clear and immediate danger'

Prison guards appeal decision to release terrorist to Shechem

Female prison guards from the Gilboa Prison appeal to Supreme Court, demanding that terrorist Mahmoud Atallah, who raped and sexually assaulted them, be released abroad instead of within Israel.

Mia Schem:

I can't believe the dream is happening & the nightmare is ending

Released hostage Mia Schem on Sunday morning posted on Instagram her excitement about the new ceasefire-prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas.

Terrorists who murdered hundreds of Israelis to be freed in deal

The government approved a deal to release 735 prisoners, exchanging them for 33 hostages held by Hamas. The list includes senior terrorists responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in Israel's history.

Religious Zionist party:

'We won't bolt government if fighting resumes after 1st stage'

Religious Zionist party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, clarifies that it opposes a ceasefire-prisoner swap deal with Hamas, but will remain in government if fighting resumes following the first stage of the deal.

Senior diplomatic source:

Israel isn't exiting the Philadelphi Corridor

Senior source says IDF to remain at current strength in Philadelphi Corridor throughout first phase of ceasefire deal, but will position itself differently.

At the last minute:

Hamas demanding to cancel Israel's right to veto

Hamas demanding to revoke Israel's right to veto release of mass murderers who inspire further terrorism, despite announcement that final agreement has been reached, Prime Minister's Office reports.

Rabbi Itamar Leshem: Who will comfort tomorrow's widows?

Rabbi Itamar Leshem, teacher at a Kiryat Arba Yeshiva, questions, 'Who has appointed himself emissary to declare defeat? Who scoffs at the vision and prefers now-ism? Who despises the blood which has been spilled?'

Live Updates:

PM's Office: Hamas trying to back down from hostage deal

Hours after Israel and Hamas agree on hostage release and ceasefire deal, to go into effect on Sunday, Netanyahu's office says Hamas is trying to backtrack from the understandings: The Prime Minister instructed the negotiation team to reject outright Hamas's last-minute attempts at extortion.

Smotrich:

We won't topple government if Halevi is replaced & Hamas defeated

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich presents Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with list of demands to ensure Israel's security - even if a ceasefire deal with Hamas is signed.

Diplomatic source:

Hamas falsely claiming Israel added conditions for ceasefire deal

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

Warning:

Deal of surrender brings creation of a Palestinian state closer

The immediate danger we face due to the surrender in the hostage deal is the establishment of a Palestinian state. It doesn't seem to matter to the incoming US administration that the majority of the people oppose it; in their eyes the Israeli leadership and the people in Zion are irrelevant.

Coalition members oppose ceasefire deal with Hamas

Ten members of Israel's coalition sent letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to oppose the proposed deal with Hamas.

Terror victim's father:

Releasing terrorists means they'll murder more Jews

Father of Shuli Har-Melekh, killed in a terror attack over 20 years ago, warns against releasing terrorists in ceasefire deal with Hamas. 'You need to understand the price.'

Report:

Details of ceasefire deal finalized, awaiting Hamas' response

Hamas to release 34 'humanitarian' hostages, Gaza to receive increased humanitarian assistance; reports do not mention key issues for Israel's security. Israel denies report.

Report: Israel requesting expanded buffer zone in Gaza

The Israeli delegation to Doha submitted a military plan for every stage in the ceasefire deal, Qatari media reports.

Netanyahu instructs:

Delegation headed by Mossad chief to head to Qatar

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirms Mossad chief David Barnea will take off for Qatar together with ISA chief Ronen Bar, Maj.-Gen. (Res) Nitzan Alon, to speed up negotiations for ceasefire deal with Hamas.

Hamas official: We're showing great flexibility in negotiations

Ali Baraka, Hamas leader abroad, says terror group agreed to release 34 Israelis in first stage of ceasefire deal, in order to ease path towards comprehensive agreement.

Israeli source confirms:

Progress made in negotiations for ceasefire deal with Hamas

The proposed deal would include a full withdrawal of IDF forces from the Philadelphi Corridor, on the last day of the deal.

Netanyahu: Reports of six-week ceasefire 'absolutely false'

Claims of six- to eight-week ceasefire in Gaza are 'part of the psychological warfare Hamas is trying to use on hostages' families,' statement from Prime Minister's Office emphasizes.

Blinken reveals:

Whose fault is it that there is no deal?

In an interview with The New York Times, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says a deal could've been reached, questions, 'Where is the world, why hasn't Hamas been pushed to put down its weapons, give up the hostages, and surrender?'

'If Hamas says yes - we have a deal'

Israeli government demanding Hamas increase number of living hostages to be freed; defense echelon pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold talks on 'the day after' Hamas.

'A partial deal will sentence them to death'

Families of hostages held in Gaza hold rally demanding that no one be left behind. 'Government abandoning them for 15 months already.'

Hamas official claims:

Ceasefire required to provide list of hostages

Hamas unable to provide Israel with a list of living hostages until a ceasefire in Gaza takes effect, Hamas official claims.

Hamas claims:

Israel presented new conditions which delayed ceasefire deal

'Serious negotiations for ceasefire deal are ongoing, Hamas has shown responsibility and flexibility,' terror group claims in statement.

Delay in hostage deal negotiations due to Hamas foot-dragging

Hamas ignoring pressure from mediators, leader Mohammed Sinwar refusing to compromise, sources say.

Hamas passes Israel list of terrorists to be freed in swap deal

Israel presents Hamas with a list of 34 hostages to be released in the first stage of a deal, 'including 11 who do not meet the criteria. Hamas agreed - in exchange for special compensation.'

Hostages' families:

We demand a deal that will ensure the return of all hostages

Families of hostages oppose partial deal, stress, 'We demand a deal that leaves no one behind!'

Diplomatic source:

Archterrorist Marwan Barghouti won't be released

Head of Fatah's Tanzim group says archterrorist Marwan Barghouti at top of Hamas' list of terrorists to be freed in a prisoner swap deal; diplomatic source says Barghouti won't be freed.

Arab report: 'Cautious optimism' for ceasefire deal

Negotiators for ceasefire-prisoner swap deal between Israel and the Hamas terror group report 'significant progress' in reaching two-stage deal, Lebanese outlet reports.

Hamas sources:

Disagreements remain on two issues critical to prisoner swap deal

'Excellent' progress on ceasefire negotiations, only two key issues remain, Hamas sources tell Lebanon's Al-Akhbar.

Hamas official:

We're close to an agreement to end the war in Gaza

Hamas official says agreement between Israel and Hamas is in the final stages, after the sides succeeded in reaching agreements on most of the issues causing disagreement.

Smotrich:

Deal would be 'serious mistake,' now's the time to crush Hamas

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slams proposed prisoner swap deal, stressing that it won't bring back all the hostages. 'Hamas is at its lowest point, this is not the time to throw them a lifeline.'

Report:

Terrorists with blood on their hands to be released into exile

Hamas-affiliated outlet says negotiations nearing conclusion, terrorists handed heavy sentences to be exiled to Turkey, Iran.

Defense Minister:

Vast majority will support a deal, we're closer than ever

Defense Minister Israel Katz confirms prisoner swap deal with Hamas 'closer than ever,' stresses that 'it's better to speak less.'

Hamas official: Ceasefire deal closer than ever

Hamas official tells Saudi news outlet that a ceasfire-prisoner swap deal is 'closer than ever,' claims 'main obstacle is Israel and Netanyahu.'

Hamas insisting on release of fewer hostages

Israel willing to compromise on several issues but not on the number of hostages to be released, report says.

Report:

Israel opposes release of archterrorist Marwan Barghouti

Arab reports say Israel refuses to include archterrorist Marwan Barghouti in prisoner swap deal with Hamas. 'Israel has alternative lists.'

Report:

Hamas passes Israel names, medical condition, of hostages

Arab media outlet reports progress in negotiations for ceasefire-prisoner swap deal which would span two months and include four hostages who hold US citizenship.

Tikva Forum: There is no blood that is worth more or less

Tikva Forum for hostages' families urges government not to agree to a partial deal. 'Proposed deal leaves behind those who appear in the video clips - how can we decide who is worthy of life and who should remain behind in hell?'

Egypt proposes new ceasefire plan

Egypt has tabled a new proposal for a phased cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, involving an Israeli military withdrawal from Rafah and a temporary ceasefire lasting 60 days.

Sources in Egypt:

Ceasefire proposal blends Egyptian offer with Biden's offer

Egypt brokering talks to form committee to manage Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing, report says.

Egypt, Israel, in disagreement over Rafah Crossing

Egypt attempting to advance ceasefire-prisoner swap deal similar to two-month ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

Israeli official:

Hamas more willing to compromise, wants 'flexibility' from Israel

'Hamas wants to push for a deal, but they want Israel to show more flexibility,' Israeli source tells journalist Barak Ravid.

Egypt's proposal:

Temporary ceasefire with hostage release

Egyptian intelligence delegation proposes ceasefire-prisoner swap deal lasting one or two months and including hostage release, talks to end war.

Diplomatic sources: Qatar no longer acting as mediator

Qatar has agreed to the US demand to remove Hamas officials from its territory; Hamas denies report.

Hamas rejects proposal for short-term ceasefire

Hamas terror group 'refuses temporary ceasefire but supports any proposal which will lead to a permanent end to the war,' official tells Al Hadath.

Sources: Intense efforts underway to secure prisoner swap deal

Egypt expects progress in ceasefire-prisoner swap deal to lower tensions in region, report says.

Israeli official:

'Qatar has become more significant in the negotiations'

Israeli source says that after Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's death, Qatar holds the keys to a prisoner swap deal and the ability to pressure Hamas.

Report:

Israeli proposal for prisoner swap offers an end to the war

Israel has presented the US with a plan to release the hostages, end the war, and allow Hamas leaders to safely leave Gaza.

Prime Minister's Office:

Despite the pressure, we agreed to all the US offers

'Whoever wants to help the efforts to free our hostages must pressure the murderer, Sinwar, and not the Prime Minister of Israel.'

Haredi MK tells hostages' families:

There was a proposal for a unity government - it's off the table

In first, MK Moshe Gafni speaks about the discourse regarding a unity government, reveals that the proposal is no longer relevant.

Gantz to Blinken: Support Israel in increasing pressure on Hamas

Minister Benny Gantz speaks with US Sec of State Antony Blinken, thanking him for the US' support in crafting a ceasefire-prisoner swap deal and urging the world to support placing pressure on Hamas.

Arab source: Hamas didn't toughen its positions

Hamas is demanding that a higher number of high-profle terrorists with blood on their hands be released in a prisoner swap deal - even in exchange for 'humanitarian' hostages.

This is Hamas' new demand for a ceasefire deal

Washington Post reports Hamas is demanding a last-minute change in prisoner swap-ceasefire deal; 'take it or leave it' proposal 'indefinitely' delayed.

US admits: Hamas toughening up its position

US official says Hamas' positions are becoming less flexible, terror group's demands are different than they were several months ago.

Families of hostages pressuring Biden to make unilateral deal

Families of Americans held hostage in Gaza pressuring Biden administration to work towards unilateral deal with Hamas terror group, NBC reports.

US official:

Nothing in ceasefire agreement mentions Philadelphi Corridor

Disagreement between Israel and Gaza focuses on 'densely populated' areas, Hamas threatening to execute additional hostages, report says.

National Security Min.:

'I'm working to end negotiations with Hamas'

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir says he is working to end negotiations for a ceasefire-prisoner swap deal with Hamas. 'Negotiations only create more and more terror.'

Hamas demanding cessation of 'aggression,' IDF withdraw from Gaza

Senior Hamas official said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preventing a ceasefire-prisoner swap deal, says deal must include Israeli withdrawal, ability for Hamas to regroup.