hostages

Netanyahu to negotiating team:

Prepare for talks to release 11 hostages

Following high-level meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructs negotiating team to prepare to continue talks for hostages' release.

"You will not execute me like ISIS"

Captivity survivor Tal Shoham: I refused to kneel

Released hostage Tal Shoham tells of severe physical abuse during his time in captivity, but says he vowed to never lose his humanity. 'I am not a victim.'

Freed hostage: 'I sat on the mattress and prayed to G-d'

Captivity survivor Omer Shem Tov in first message to attendees at Hostages Square rally: 'I was alone 450 days, it's a terrible feeling. I came back thanks to you, but the task is not yet complete.'

Omer Shem Tov:

In the tunnels, I felt every prayer you said for me

Hamas captivity survivor Omer Shem Tov attends rally in Herzliya alongside friends and released hostages Maya and Itay Regev. 'Even when I was in the darkest place, I felt a spark of light.'

50-day ceasefire

Steve Witkoff's new proposal for a ceasefire deal

US envoy Steve Witkoff proposes Israel resume humanitarian aid to Hamas, release terrorists, in exchange for the release of several hostages.

Jewish families honor Ariel and Kfir Bibas with Batman costumes

Children in Israel and beyond are dressing as Batman for Purim to honor the slain Bibas brothers.

Eliya Cohen gives thanks:

'Your prayers were felt in the tunnels, they protected me'

Grandfather of former hostage Eliya Cohen holds thanksgiving meal honoring his release from Hamas captivity. 'Down there, we feel every prayer.'

Report: Hamas agrees to extend first stage of ceasefire deal

Al Hadath reports Hamas agreed to US initiative to extend first stage of ceasefire deal in exchange for the release of several living hostages; Hamas denies report.

Netanyahu's office:

Israeli delegation to leave for negotiations in Qatar

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirms Israeli delegation to leave for Qatar on Monday to negotiate advance negotiations to free hostages.

US advancing:

Initiative to release hostages - without Israel's involvement

US holding negotiations with Hamas to extend ceasefire in exchange for release of some hostages. Israeli source: 'Negotiations are being held above our heads.'

In Arabic:

Captivity survivor's message to hostages still in Gaza

Released hostage Karina Ariev sends Arabic-language message to hostages still held captive by Hamas, quoting from Isaiah.

Eliya Cohen to bereaved families: We are here because of you

Eliya Cohen, freed from Hamas captivity, thanks bereaved families for their sacrifice, says hostages were released because of them.

Progress on talks for deal's second stage? Israel denies it

Hamas claims progress on negotiations for second stage of deal, Israeli source clarifies: 'Not familiar with progress on talks at this stage.'

Captivity survivor:

'I hope there will be a grave to visit on Memorial Day'

Noga Weiss, kidnapped to Gaza during the October 7 massacre and released from Hamas captivity in a November 2023 deal, says she cannot find closure until Hamas releases her father's body for burial. 'I haven't yet said goodbye.'

Released hostages hold meeting with PM Netanyahu and wife Sara

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara meet released hostages Tal and Adi Shoham, listening to their experiences, offering support, and promising to do everything to free remaining hostages.

'We're doing everything to free you':

Sasha Troufanov sends moving message to friend in captivity

Released hostages Sasha Troufanov sends moving message to friend left behind in Hamas captivity, explains, 'I can't disconnect from the people who stayed behind.'

Released hostage recalls meeting with Sinwar in Gaza's tunnels

Margalit Moses, kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 massacre and released in November 2023, tells of her dream to return to her kibbutz and rebuild her home.

Captivity survivor Sasha Troufanov

From Hamas' tunnels to the Western Wall Tunnels in Jerusalem

Former hostage Sasha Troufanov visits Western Wall, in a journey of hope and resilience.

Hostages' families:

Death and destruction of Gaza - or the hostages released now

Tikva Forum for hostages' families calls on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seize opportunity offered by US President Donald Trump, set deadline for Hamas' release of all hostages at once, on a single bus. 'The ball is in your court.'

Ohad Yahalomi, killed in Hamas captivity, is laid to rest

Funeral for Ohad Yahalomi, kidnapped to Gaza on October 7 and murdered in Hamas captivity, begins in Rishon Lezion; he will be buried in Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Chabad Torah booklet and Psalms

The books that carried Omer Shem Tov through captivity

Omer Shem Tov's parents revealed that his captors gave him books that soldiers left behind including a pamphlet on the Torah portion and Psalms.

Watch:

Torah scroll brought to hostage Alon Ohel's room

Kobi and Idit, parents of hostage Alon Ohel, bring Torah scroll into Alon's room, praying for his recovery and release from Gaza.

'I am here thanks to you'

Sasha Trufanov speaks for the first time since his release

'I will never be able to pay you back for what you have done to me, it moves me to know that it was important to so many people that I return home.'

Watch:

Omer Shem Tov returns to his home in Herzliya

Omer Shem Tov, freed from Hamas captivity earlier this month, is released from the hospital and returns home to Herzliya, is greeted by city residents who gathered to greet him.

Psychological terrorism:

Hamas publishes footage of the Horn brothers' goodbyes

Hamas publishes video clip showing hostages Eitan Horn and Iair Horn, as they part ahead of Iair's release after 498 days in captivity.

Ceasefire to be extended?

Israeli source: Additional hostages may be released on Saturday

'We expect additional hostages to be released this Saturday, in exchange for extension of ceasefire,' Israeli source claims.

Tsachi Idan to be laid to rest next to daughter murdered on 7/10

Family of murdered hostage Tsachi Idan announces that his body was identified by the Abu Kabir forensic institute, says he will be laid to rest alongside his murdered daughter.

Pres. Herzog:

Our hearts ache at identification of Ohad, Itzik, Tsachi & Shlomo

Israeli President Isaac Herzog mourns hostages Ohad Yahalomi, Tsachi Idan, Itzik Elgarat, and Shlomo Mantzur, whose bodies were returned Wednesday night.

Bodies of Shlomo, Itzik, Tsachi, and Ohad identified

Abu Kabir forensic institute positively identifies the bodies of the four hostages returned to Israel late Wednesday night.

'Five angels'

Three generations of loss

Dana Silberman Sitton, sister of murdered hostage Shiri Bibas and aunt to Ariel and Kfir Bibas, tearfully mourns their loss. 'I hope you're up there embraced by Mom and Dad.'

Yarden Bibas:

'I'm sorry I didn't manage to save you'

Funeral for Ariel, Kfir, and Shiri Bibas leaves Rishon Lezion for Nir Oz cemetery; thousands stand along the roadsides, waving Israeli flags and paying last respects.

Watch: Daniella Gilboa sings 'Shalom Aleichem' in Arabic

Released hostage Daniella Gilboa shares that due to concerns of being overheard, she and the other IDF lookouts taught themselves to sing the traditional 'Shalom Aleichem' in Arabic. Watch.

Report: Hamas may release two deceased hostages Mon. evening

Saudi newspaper reports progress in negotiations to solve crisis; two bodies of murdered hostages may be released in exchange for the over 600 terrorists whose release was delayed.

Due to fear of rescue:

Terrorists chained Eliya Cohen to other hostages

Sigi Cohen, mother of released hostage Eliya Cohen, tells of her son's time in captivity.

With Israeli flags lining the road:

This is what Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir's funeral will look like

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.

Israel forces Hamas to fold

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

Cruelty and evil:

Hamas brought two additional hostages to release point

Hamas publishes video clip showing hostages Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Evyatar David, sitting in a car while forced to watch their friends' 'release ceremony.'

Education Min.: Give Hamas an ultimatum - hostages now, or war

Education Minister Yoav Kisch tells Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to give Hamas an ultimatum: All hostages back in Israel by Saturday - or hellfire on Gaza.

Returning from captivity:

Eliya discovers that his girlfriend is alive

Eliya Cohen, released from Hamas captivity after 505 days, thought his girlfriend Ziv had been killed in the 'bomb shelter of death.' Prior to the massacre, he had bought a ring - but did not manage to propose before he was kidnapped.

Starved and abused:

Testimonies from Omer, Tal, Omer, and Eliya

Tal Shoham and Omer Wenkert were held together for most of their time in Hamas captivity; Eliya Cohen was kept in complete darkness formost of the time; Omer Shem Tov lost 17 kilograms.

Sign of life received from hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal

Father of hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal says family received 'sign of life' from one of the six hostages who returned to Israel earlier on Saturday.

After nearly a decade: Hisham al-Sayed reunites with his family

Hisham al-Sayed, released from Hamas captivity after nearly a decade in Gaza, meets his father Shaaban and brother Wasim at the initial reception point in Israel, and additional family members at the hospital.

'How good is G-d!'

Moving 'havdalah' ceremony with returned hostages

Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, and Omer Wenkert attend 'havdalah' ceremony marking the conclusion of Shabbat at Beilinson Hospital. Watch.

'Thank you to everyone who prayed': Yarden Bibas' moving post

One day after his wife Shiri's remains were returned to Israel, Yarden Bibas thanks those who supported and cared for his family.

Netanyahu on Bibas murders: 'We shall neither forgive nor forget'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says heart 'bursts with excitement' at return of six living hostages from Hamas captivity, Israel will 'neither forgive nor forget' brutal murders of Shiri Bibas and her young sons Ariel and Kfir.

Dr. Chen Kugel:

'We have witnessed unimaginable depths of cruelty and evil'

Dr. Chen Kugel, head of the Abu Kabir forensic institute, says there is 'no evidence' that Shiri Bibas was killed in a bombing, proving Hamas' earlier claims were lies.

Due to Bibas family's murder:

Israel delays release of 602 terrorists

Israel announces that it will delay the 602 terrorists due to be released in exchange for six living hostages; terrorists' families informed that the release will take place around 8:00 p.m.

Watch:

After over a decade, Avera Mengistu reunites with his family

Avera Mengistu, held captive in Gaza since September 2014, reunites with his family at the initial reception point in Israel and at Ichilov Hospital.

With praise to G-d:

Moving: Omer Wenkert reunites with his parents in Israel

Omer Wenkert meets his parents Niva and Shai at the initial reception point in Israel. Watch.

'That's it, don't cry anymore'

Eliya Cohen's moving reunion with his parents

Watch Eliya Cohen's moving reunion with his parents, Sigalit and Maimon, and his partner Ziv.

Omer Shem Tov returns to his family:

'That's it, we're together, it's over'

Watch Omer Shem Tov's emotional meeting with his family, as they reunite at Beilinson Hospital.

Shiri Bibas was murdered in captivity

Shiri Bibas was murdered in the first weeks of the war, together with her children Kfir and Ariel. 'She was beloved by everyone who knew her, but above all, she was a dedicated mother.'

After 505 days in captivity:

Omer, Eliya, Omer, Avera, Tal, and Hisham are back in Israel

Hisham al-Sayed, Omer Wenkert, Eliya Cohen, Avera Mengistu, Tal Shoham, and Omer Shem Tov are back in Israel after being released from Hamas captivity.

ZOA: 'Hell needs to rain down' on Hamas after Bibas family murder

Zionist Organization of America responds to murders of Bibas family, says, 'Hell needs to rain down on Hamas and PIJ, until they are destroyed and can never, never, ever harm another Jewish or other soul.'

Prime Minister's Office:

Israel received list of hostages to be freed Saturday

Earlier this week, reports said that six hostages were to be freed Saturday as part of the deal with Hamas: Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, Omer Wenkert, Hisham al-Sayed, and Avera Mengistu.

Netanyahu on Bibas murders: Today is a day of indescribable pain

'I vow that I will not rest until the savages who executed our hostages are brought to justice,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promises.

Hamas confirms it did not give Israel Shiri Bibas' body

'Remains were mixed with other bodies due to IDF airstrikes,' Hamas terror group claims.

Agam found Rabbi Druckman's book in Gaza

After she read Rabbi Haim Druckman's book, Agam Berger understood that she was permitted to eat non-kosher meat if it is a matter of life and death.

Sharren Haskel:

Switching Shiri's body is a crime against humanity

Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel responds to Hamas' presentation of an anonymous body as that of Shiri Bibas, says Hamas is 'a death cult that needs to be eradicated from the face of the Earth.'

US envoy:

Hamas can return everyone - or face 'total annihilation'

United States Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler responds harshly to Hamas' decision to return an anonymous body instead of that of hostages Shiri Bibas, warns, 'they're going to face total annihilation right now' if they don't release hostages.