hostages

Watch:

Ben Gvir prays on Temple Mount, reciting 'Kedusha' prayer

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir ascends Temple Mount in honor of Sukkot holiday, to pray 'for the destruction of Hamas and the return of the hostages.'

Channel 12 journalist:

Netanyahu critics are 'a violent and embarrassing cult'

Channel 12 journalist Yaron Avraham blasts critics of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, says ‘they’d rather the hostages not return,’ if it means US President Donald Trump will hurt Netanyahu politically.

Hamas official claims it will take 'months' to find all hostages

Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk claims it will take months for Hamas to locate all hostages, Jerusalem official says terror group knows locations of all living hostages and is able to reach them.

IDF holds high-level assessment ahead of 1st phase of Trump plan

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir orders heightened readiness for first phase of US President Donald Trump’s hostage release plan, prioritizing troop safety and directing all capabilities to the Southern Command.

Netanyahu:

We are preparing for the immediate release of all hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issues unusual late-night statement responding to US President Donald Trump's demand that Israel immediately cease bombing Gaza.

On Yom Kippur eve:

Israeli Ambassador prays for hostages at UN General Assembly

For the first time in history: On the eve of Yom Kippur, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon prayed for hostages' release at the UN General Assembly. Watch.

This chapter of Psalms helped one hostage survive Hamas captivity

Released hostage Omar Shem-Tov says faith sustained him during 130 days in captivity, asks everyone to send positive energy to the remaining hostages, speak to them daily. 'I think the prayers and the energy can be felt.'

Emily Damari reveals:

Hamas leader willing to be exiled as part of deal

Former hostage Emily Damari tells Mosab Hassan Yousef: 'Hamas leader Izz al-Din al-Haddad told us he is willing to leave leadership, leave Gaza, in exchange for safe passage.' Watch.

Returning to role as mediator?

Qatar's new demand from Israel

Qatar demanding Israel apologize for strike on Hamas, as precondition for renewing role as mediator in ceasefire talks.

Source: Living hostages being moved from place to place

Living hostages at risk due to constant movement, Hamas source tells Al Jazeera.

Avigdor Kahalani:

'Hamas will not compromise until we step on them'

Brig. Gen. (res.) Avigdor Kahalani urges commanders to press on with the capture of Gaza City. 'Hamas only understands only the language of force.'

Amb. Akunis:

Both Qatar and Hamas responsible for safety of hostages

Israeli Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis urges continued pressure on Qatar and Hamas to release all 48 hostages still held in Gaza, promises Israel 'will never apologize for defending the State of Israel and the Jewish people.'

Hamas has moved some of the hostages above ground

Hamas now holds some hostages in tents and private homes, ahead of increased IDF ground operations.

Watch:

Released hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov reunites with her family

Prime Minister congratulated Elizabeth Tsurkov on her release from captivity in Iraq, wished her a full recovery, and thanked those who helped secure her release.

Father of hostage: 'Prayers help us and give us hope'

Yosef Haim Ohana, kidnapped during the October 7 massacre, marks his 25th birthday in captivity; his father tells of Yosef Haim's courage on the day of the attack.

First sign of life:

Ohel family greenlights publication of Alon Ohel's image

The image shows Alon with Guy Gilboa Dalal, 701 days into captivity; family warns of severe eye injury and calls for international action.

Psychological terrorism:

Hamas publishes video of two hostages

Hamas publishes video of hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal and additional hostage, as part of effort to pressure Israel and prevent conquest of Gaza City.

Watch: Heartbreaking 'Kaddish' prayer at the Western Wall

Hundreds of bereaved families from around Israel attend last night of Selichot at the Western Wall to take part in the prayers and draw shared strength.

Hostage's brother: 'We need to execute terrorists'

Idan Baruch, brother of kidnapped and murdered hostage Ariel Baruch, says there is no place to discuss terrorists' prison conditions, urges executing them instead. 'That's the minimum in a functional country.'

Hostage's mother: The moment G-d wills it, they'll release him

Miri Ben-Haim, mother of hostage Yosef Haim Ohana, tries to remain optimistic, says she feels she must be strong - to give her son strength during his time in Hamas captivity.

Huckabee:

'Israel must decide how to bring back hostages, defeat Hamas'

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee visits school in Eshkol Region, supports efforts to bring hostages home. 'A lot of people are putting the pressure on Israel. The pressure needs to be directed at Hamas.'

Netanyahu to Cabinet ministers: Partial deal not on the table

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuses to hold vote on resolution opposing partial deal with Hamas, claiming such a deal is 'not on the table.'

Families of hostages protest outside Cabinet meeting

Relatives of some of the hostages demonstrate outside Cabinet meeting, demanding deal with Hamas. 'You have ten days to end this.'

Office of the UK Chief Rabbi:

Until the last hostage. D’var Torah for Shoftim

‘Yisrael v’oraita chad hu’- the Jewish people and the Torah are one.

Keith Siegel: Every day in captivity, I said 'Shema Yisrael'

Freed hostage Keith Siegel says captors attempted to force him to convert to Islam, says captivity strengthened his connection to Judaism.

Hostage's brother:

Deal not dependent on gov't, only Netanyahu can decide

Yaakov Bohbot, brother of hostage Elkana Bohbot, wonders aloud why Israel must press for agreement on its terms if Hamas has already agreed to a previous offer.

Report: Negotiations for ceasefire with Hamas to restart

Arab reports say negotiations for Gaza ceasefire may resume - while Israel continues preparing for military operation.

Details of Hamas' ceasefire proposal revealed

Hamas demanding release of 150 mass murderers, agrees to 700-meter perimeter in some areas of Gaza.

Report: Hamas receives new ceasefire proposal

Israel insists on full hostage release as partial deal remains under discussion.

MK Rothman: We've turned the hostages into an asset for Hamas

MK Simcha Rothman criticizes government's approach to hostage crisis, says if Hamas isn't defeated, hostages are at risk, stressing Hamas must view hostages as a burden, not an asset.

Former IDF general: Gaza conquest key to defeating Hamas

Full takeover of Gaza necessary to defeat Hamas, would take only a few months, former IDF General Yiftah Ron-Tal says.

Terrorist's hand reveals depth of Hamas' lies

Hamas claims its terrorists are malnourished just like the hostages - but a single moment in a video released by the terror group itself proves otherwise.

President Herzog at Eicha:

'Our hearts burn with pain for the hostages'

Attending Tisha B’Av reading of Eicha, President Isaac Herzog refers to disturbing video of hostage Evyatar David, calls on Israelis to fast and pray for the captives’ safe return. 'They are everyone's sons.'

Amichai Eliyahu:

Hostages are POWs, Gaza will be Jewish after Hamas defeat

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu says Israel shouldn't address Gaza hunger during wartime, sovereignty will bring security.

Ofer's unimaginable victory:

From Hamas' tunnels to the Champs-Élysées on a bicycle

Ofer Calderon, held by Hamas for 484 days, joins Israel-Premier Tech at the Tour de France's final stage in Paris, fulfilling a promise made during his captivity and calling for the return of all hostages.

Hostage's parents urge one-phase deal to bring all hostages home

'No more delays, no more partial deals': New Yorkers rally with hostage families in Central Park to 'bring everyone home.'

Report: Hamas preparing for hostage rescue operations

Saudi report says Hamas on high alert due to concerns of cooperation on potential hostage rescue operations.

Israeli source:

Hamas expected to respond to ceasefire proposal with conditions

Hamas likely to accept offer for ceasefire deal, while raising demands on IDF deployment, humanitarian aid, necessitating further negotiations.

Amid stalemate:

Israel to present new Gaza withdrawal maps in Qatar talks

Israel set to present new maps outlining IDF withdrawal plans during Qatar negotiations, gap remains over the scope of IDF withdrawal from Gaza.

Hamas rejects Qatari proposal, blocking 60-day ceasefire and deal

Political source reveals Hamas’ rejection of Qatari proposal prevented a 60-day ceasefire and agreement, says Hamas continuing to harden its stance, disrupt negotiations.

Father of hostage warns:

Hostages left behind in Gaza face greater danger

Zvika Mor, father of hostage Eitan Mor, criticizes Israel’s handling of hostage negotiations, warns partial deal will endanger those left behind.

US Embassy:

Houthis abducted crew members of ship attack near Yemen

The US Mission to Yemen condemns Houthi kidnappings of Eternity C crew members, calling for their immediate release. The attack killed four and left 15 crew members missing.

Arab source: Agreement with Hamas 'a matter of days'

Palestinian Arab source involved in ceasefire-prisoner swap negotiations predicts agreement between Israel and Hamas could be signed soon, due to direct involvement from US President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu's promise to Smotrich and Ben Gvir

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggests those threatening to leave government over deal's approval wait until end of Knesset recess, allowing time to reassess.

Report: New proposal for Gaza ceasefire deal

New 60-day ceasefire proposal includes phased release of hostages, IDF withdrawal from Gaza, and international guarantees, aiming for a permanent agreement.

Dani Elgarat reveals:

'My brother died in captivity - they thought he was a pilot'

Dani Elgarat, brother of hostage Itzik Elgarat, says he died under Hamas interrogation, after being falsely accused of being a pilot. 'He never came back.'

Hamas releases new photo of hostage Matan Zangauker

Hamas publishes new image of hostage Matan Zangauker, warning he won’t be rescued alive as IDF forces close in.

Eliminated:

Head of terror group responsible for Bibas family murder

IDF eliminates As'ad Abu Shakriya, commander of the 'Al-Mujahideen Brigades,' and another senior official in the Salafi organization near a hospital in Gaza City.

IDF recovers body of Thai hostage

Body of Nattapong Pinta, kidnapped during the October 7 massacre, brought to Israel following a special military operation.

Netanyahu on hostage recovery op:

'We won't rest until all hostages are home'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praises operation that recovered the bodies of hostages Gadi Haggai and Judih Weinstein Haggai, promises, 'We will not rest, nor will we be silent, until we return home all of our hostages - the living and the deceased.'

Gadi and Judith's bodies returned to Israel in military operation

Kibbutz Nir Oz announces: Bodies of Gadi Haggai and Judih Weinstein Haggai returned to Israel in military operation.

Run in Netanya honors Hadar Goldin and hostages

Special memorial run held at Emunah Bet Sabah Elazraki Children's Home in honor of Lt. Hadar Goldin and all hostages

Hamas demands:

Seven-year ceasefire, full IDF withdrawal in latest proposal

Israeli official: Hamas’ response to ceasefire plan is 'a slammed door,' with demands far from Israel’s offer. Witkoff: Hamas' response 'totally unacceptable.'

Hamas responds to ceasefire proposal with conditions and demands

Hamas delivers conditional response to US envoy Steve Witkoff's truce plan, seeking phased hostage release and US pressure on Israel to comply.

Hostages' families block Gaza aid trucks in protest

Tzav 9 activists and hostages' families block humanitarian aid trucks at Kerem Shalom, demanding Israel stop supplies that benefit Hamas.

US envoy deal: 9 living hostages, 60-day ceasefire, IDF withdraws

US envoy Steve Witkoff’s plan includes release of nine hostages, 18 bodies, IDF pullback, and UN-managed aid to Gaza during talks to end the war.

Report: Trump to announce ceasefire deal tied to hostage release

US President Donald Trump expected to announce Gaza ceasefire within days as part of a deal to release Israeli hostages and return of bodies, reports say.

'I had to survive for them':

Edan Alexander recounts harrowing Hamas captivity

In first meeting with former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, freed hostage Edan Alexander reveals source of his strength: Knowing his Golani brothers were fighting for him.

Tortured, starving, alone:

Matan Zangauker’s dire condition in Hamas captivity

Shocking new details paint grim picture of Matan Zangauker’s life in Hamas captivity: severe weight loss, physical decline from a degenerative disease, psychological torture, and isolation. 'I don’t know if he can hold on,' his mother says.

Chief of Staff to Gazans: We aren't the ones who started this war

In bold message from the battlefield, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reminds Gazans that Hamas — not Israel — is to blame for Gaza’s suffering, adds that Hamas can release the hostages or face the consequences.