hostages

Israel examining changes to deal with Hamas

Following testimonies from released hostages, Israel weighs option to demand Hamas expand list of hostages to be released in first stage of deal, due to concerns for their health.

Sign of life from hostage Eitan Mor

Eitan Mor, son of Tzvika and Efrat and the oldest of eight siblings, was born and raised in Kiryat Arba, and moved to Jerusalem after he grew up.

Former ISA official:

'Solution to Gaza is to conquer land and control it'

Shalom Ben Hanan, former ISA official, discusses Hamas' threat not to release hostages, says Israel should place pressure on Hamas.

Family of hostage Yosef Ohana:

We received a sign of life from him

Sign of life received from hostage Yosef Haim Ohana, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival during the October 7 massacre. 'We received a sign of life from him, there's a clear indication.'

Trump:

Judea and Samaria are 'going to work out very well'

US President Donald Trump responds to questions about annexing Judea and Samaria, deadline for hostage release.

'Hostages are Hamas' insurance policy'

Arab affairs analyst says Hamas is 'flexing its muscles' and does not intend to give up leadership of Gaza easily.

Released hostage's mother:

'Romi Gonen to undergo complex surgery'

Meirav Leshem-Gonen, mother of released hostage Romi Gonen, says the young women who returned from Hamas captivity 'are not okay, to lose 20% of your weight is not okay.'

Yarden Bibas released from hospital

A week and a half after being released from Hamas captivity, Yarden Bibas is released home from the hospital. 'Path to healing will not be complete until Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir return.'

Footage from Bangkok:

Released Thai hostages return home, reunite with their families

The five Thai hostages released last week from Hamas captivity reunited with their families after nearly 500 days apart.

'The hostages were in locations where there was humanitarian aid'

Dr. Einat Yehene, head of rehabilitation in health for the Hostages Famly Forum, says Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben-Ami, and Or Levy were 'intentionally starved.'

Eli receives horrific news: His wife and daughters were murdered

Eli Sharabi, returned to Israel after 491 days in captivity, is informed that his wife Leanne and daughters Noya (16) and Yahel (13) were murdered in the October 7 massacre, and his brother Yossi was killed in captivity.

First hug - after 491 days:

Or and his son Almog meet for the first time

Or Levy, released from Hamas captivity after 491 days, reunites with his three-year-old son Almog.

Braids of bravery: Agam Berger's defiance

What is a braid, if not the story of the Jewish people? Op-ed.

Pres. Herzog on hostages' state:

'This is what a crime against humanity looks like'

'Whole world' must see how Ohad, Eli, and Or starved and emaciated, were exploited in a cynical and cruel spectacle by Hamas, Israeli President Isaac Herzog says.

Hostages' testimonies:

'They did not see daylight, they were starved and abused'

Testimonies reveal that hostages Eli Sharabi and Or Levy were held in a tunnel during their entire time in captivity, were not exposed to media and did not know about the events of the October 7th massacre.

'They will pay the price'

Netanyahu: We have again seen the monsters of Hamas

We will do everything to return all of our hostages, but Hamas will not be there. We will eliminate Hamas, and we will return our hostages,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promises.

Wrapped in a tallit:

Sharon Sharabi meets his freed brother Eli, says 'Shema Yisrael'

Heartbreaking: Sharon Sharabi meets his brother Eli in Sheba Medical Center after Eli returns from Hamas captivity, wraps Eli in his tallit and says, 'Shema Yisrael.'

Hamas' brutal show:

World horrified by hostages' condition, Hamas's show

British, US, and German representatives rush to condemn Hamas' cruel 'release ceremony,' note emaciated states of released hostages Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben-Ami, and Or Levy.

Israel to mediators: 'We will not ignore this'

Gal Hirsch, Israeli Coordinator for the Hostages and Missing, promises that Israel will not ignore the conditions of released hostages Ohad Ben-Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy, who were filmed gaunt and pale at their 'release ceremony.'

Eighty years later:

Medical source: 'Just like the Jews in concentration camps'

Health Ministry's General Medicine Division head responds to condition of returning hostages, says, 'We saw malnutrition which proves the horrors they suffered.'

Watch: Eli Sharabi arrives at hospital, wrapped in Israeli flag

Released hostage Eli Sharabi arrives at Sheba Medical Center, walking erect and wrapped in an Israeli flag.

Or Levy meets his family: 'We waited so long for you, sweetie'

Watch the moving moments when released hostage Or Levy first meets his family in Sheba Medical Center.

Ohad Ben-Ami after his release: 'I have a ton to make up'

Watch the emotional reunification of Ohad Ben-Ami with his daughters and brother, after he and his wife arrive at Ichilov Hospital.

Thin and pale:

Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben-Ami released from captivity

The Hamas terror group held a cynical 'ceremony' leading Ohad Ben-Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy onto a stage in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

Moving meeting:

Former hostages identified aunt's voice in captivity

Professor Ruhama Albag, aunt of former hostage Liri Albag, gave an interview to Kan Reshet Bet about the Shavuot holiday. Liri, Naama, Karina, Daniella, and Agam heard her voice and drew strength from her message.

Israel waits for names of fifth group of hostages to be released

Israel waiting for Hamas to announce names of hostages to be released Saturday, as Hamas fumes over Trump announcement and Israeli delegation readies for talks in Qatar.

Elizabeth Tsurkov's sister:

'Biden admin kept showering corrupt Iraqi officials with cash'

Emma Tsurkov, whose sister, Elizabeth, has been held hostage by a Shia militia in Iraq since 2023 expressed hope that the Trump administration would bring her sister home: 'Thank God a tough leader with a backbone of steel is in the White House.'

Times Square video highlights Bibas family's suffering

Video ad featured in Times Square features Kfir and Ariel Bibas with their mother, demands: 'Hamas, where are the Bibas babies?'

'Am Israel chai'

Romi Gonen pens post-captivity post on Instagram

Romi Gonen, released last month from Hamas captivity, pens social media post, says her healing won't be complete until all hostages are home. 'Am Israel chai.'

New details:

Senior Hamas figure used five women soldiers as a human shield

Liri, Naama, Karina, Daniella, and Agam were held in an apartment in Gaza City by a senior Hamas figure, who used them as a human shield and attempted to encourage them to provide IDF intelligence information.

Why I write even when exasperated (like now)

Though exasperated, I declare: It was criminal for anyone, other than direct relatives of the hostages, to demand a deal “at any price” and that such a deal absolutely violates core Jewish law. How many times must we replay the same debacle? Op-ed.

Israel — and the World — Take off the gloves

Israel, along with those countries facing the menace of Islamic extremism, must ensure there are no future Oct. 7th attacks. Opinion.

Bibas family:

Yarden is asking about Shiri and the kids & we don't have answers

Family of released hostage Yarden Bibas speaks to media about his condition, calls on government to act to free his wife Shiri and children Ariel and Kfir.

Yarden Bibas was held alone, lied to about his family's fate

The Hamas terrorists holding hostage Yarden Bibas refused to allow him to stay with other hostages, allowing him out of the tunnel only once a day to eat; he lost 15 kilograms during his time in captivity.

Giving thanks for hostages' release:

Thai delegation visits Western Wall

After release of Thai hostages from Hamas captivity, Thailand's Foreign Minister, Chief of Staff, pay emotional visit to the Western Wall.

Calderon family: Ofer came back to us weak, but on his feet

The family of Ofer Calderon, released Saturday from Hamas captivity, spoke to the media, asking for time and privacy. 'Now we can recover, we are whole.'

Emily Damari returns to home she was kidnapped from

Emily Damari, recently released from Hamas captivity, returns to her home in Kfar Aza, from which she was kidnapped on the morning of the October 7 massacre.

Bibas family:

'Yarden feels good, he's strong and amazing'

Bibas family issues statement following Yarden Bibas' release from Hamas captivity, thanks public for support. 'We can finally breathe.'

Released hostage:

'I'm here thanks to you, and I'm okay'

Released hostage Doron Steinbrecher tells attendees at Hostages Square rally: 'Thanks to everyone who supported and embraced, thanks to all of the soldiers, and the security forces.'

Netanyahu after hostages' release:

'Our steadfast stand proved itself'

'We'll continue to take determined action to bring hostages back home, and achieve all of our objectives for the war,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says.

Released hostage testifies:

'It was very hard for Yarden, his fear was very great'

Tami Metzger, released in a November 2023 prisoner swap deal, tells of her time in captivity alongside Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon.

Watch:

'Dad, that's it, it's over - now you're with us'

Ofer Calderon, 54, kidnapped with his children to Gaza during the October 7 massacre, reunites with his children and other family members in Israel, after 484 days in captivity.

Bibas family: Yarden has returned to an unbearable reality

After meeting his father and sister in Re'im, released hostage Yarden Bibas arrived at Sheba Medical Center, where he met his mother Penina. His wife Shiri and children Ariel and Kfir are still in Gaza.

Siegel family reunites:

'Dad, you came back to us!! You're a hero for surviving!'

Watch the emotional reunion as released hostage Keith Seigel meets his family after 484 days in captivity.

After 484 days in captivity:

Keith, Ofer, and Yarden returned to Israel

Hostages Keith Siegel, Yarden Bibas, and Ofer Calderon were released Saturday from Hamas captivity.

Haftarat Parashat Bo:

Where everybody knows your name

When there is genuine concern for the individual, names hold meaning and serve a purpose.

Live updates:

After 482 days: Arbel, Gadi, and Agam arrive in Israel

Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, along with five Thai citizens, cross into Israeli territory after being released from Islamic Jihad captivity. Agam Berger, released from Hamas captivity, has reunited with her parents.

Following chaos in Khan Yunis:

Israel delaying release of terrorists slated to be freed in deal

Following scenes of chaos and violence in Khan Yunis, political echelon orders release of 110 terrorists to be delayed.

Infuriating footage from Gaza:

Masses of terrorists surround Red Cross vehicles

Hostages Gadi Mozes, 80, and Arbel Yehud, 29, were transferred to the care of the Red Cross on Thursday afternoon, after 482 days in captivity.

Netanyahu on hostages' release:

These horrific scenes must not be allowed to repeat themselves

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu harshly criticizes chaos in Khan Yunis during release of hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes.

Pres. Herzog:

Scenes were horrifying, they endured hell with amazing bravery

Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomes Israelis Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, five Thai citizens, to Israel, says 'scenes of abuse and terror towards the hostages' during release were 'horrifying.'

Emotional moment:

'We'll never leave you': Agam Berger reunites with her parents

IDF publishes footage of soldier Agam Berger's arrival in Israel, reunification with her parents.

Like mother, like daughter:

Agam kept Shabbat and kosher - even during captivity

Liri Albag, who was held together with Agam Berger in captivity, tells Agam's mother details about her time in captivity.

Moments after her release:

Watch: Prayer of thanksgiving outside Agam Berger's home

Neighbors and relatives of IDF soldier Agam Berger, who was released Thursday morning from Hamas captivity, celebrate outside her home with prayers of thanksgiving.

Watch live:

Hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes minutes before release

Islamic Jihad publishes footage of hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, who have been handed over to Hamas and are expected to be released soon. Agam Berger, held by Hamas, to be released from Jabaliya.

With the family's approval:

Sign of life received from Gadi Mozes one year ago

One year after the family of hostage Gadi Mozes received a sign of life from him, the family has allowed it to be publicized, in light of his imminent release.

We have already won

When the hostages were paraded before their release, clear faces to the sun, surrounded by an armed, masked, brutal, dark multitude, I thought “we have already won.” And the holy blood of 14-year-old shepherd Benjamin Achimeir Hy"d and others does not negate that victory.

'A reckless deal that will cost in blood'

Hostages' families demand Ben Gvir support deal with Hamas

Argument breaks out in Knesset committee, as representatives of some of the hostages' families demand MK Itamar Ben Gvir support the deal with Hamas. Ben Gvir: 'A reckless deal that will cost in blood.'

Liri Albag's father clarifies:

'I was referring only to the leaders'

Eli Albag, father of Liri Albag, who was released in a prisoner swap deal with Hamas, explains his 'scorn' for those who didn't support deal.

Bereaved father to Eli Albag:

Many Jews will pay with their lives for your daughter's release

Itzik Bonzel, father of fallen IDF soldier Amit Bonzel, responds to Eli Albag, whose daughter was freed in a prisoner swap deal: 'This is the time to bow your head and say thank you, not to threaten.'