hostages

Coffins of four deceased hostages arrive at forensic institute

The coffins of Shiri Bibas and her sons Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz, have crossed the border into Israel and arrived at the Abu Kabir forensic institute.

'Evil we have not witnessed'

Actor Michael Rapaport slams Hamas ceremony

Jewish actor Michael Rapaport slams Hamas 'release ceremony' held ahead of return of deceased hostages to Israel. 'The show being put on in Gaza is evil we have not witnessed in the modern era.'

Journalist shares:

'We dug with bare hands under fire to locate bodies of hostages'

Journalist Amir Ettinger, who served in the reserves in Gaza, reveals troops' extreme efforts to locate bodies of hostages: 'We dug for hours in the ruins, under fire, trying to find even a small remnant.'

To the sound of Hatikva:

Remains of four deceased hostages arrive at forensic institute

The four coffins were wrapped in Israeli flags by IDF soldiers and brought into Israel; IDF Chief Rabbi Eyal Karim reads Psalms during military ceremony in Gaza.

Watch: Mourning together at Hostages Square

Crowd gathers at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, waving Israeli flags and some wearing orange hats or shirts, in solidarity with the Bibas family.

Haredi minister to Keith Siegel:

I will continue to support every deal

Construction and Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf meets release hostage Keith Siegel at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, says his thoughts are always with the hostages still in Gaza. 'Your descriptions support what we knew - this is a matter of life-and-death, and about saving lives.'

'Horrific news'

Chris Kenny tears up while reporting on Bibas family hostages

Sky News host Chris Kenny fights tears as he reports on Hamas' announcement that the bodies of Shiri Bibas and young sons Ariel and Kfir will be returned on Thursday.

Romi Gonen shares: Thankful for chance to live my life anew

Romi Gonen, released last month from Hamas captivity, gives thanks for her release and a second chance at life. 'Thankful for the merit of living this life anew, with an appreciation for every little thing.'

500 days in Hamas captivity:

Crowds pray for hostages at national event in Washington, DC

Attendees at national prayer event in Washington, DC give standing ovation as released hostage Noa Argamani calls: 'We have to continue to the second stage and make sure all our loved ones come back.'

Ohad Ben-Ami to Pres. Herzog:

'We were six people in six meters, 30 meters underground'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog meets freed hostage Ohad Ben-Ami, marking 500 days since the October 7 massacre. 'We have brothers and sisters still there in Gaza, and we want every last one of them home as soon as possible.'

Ofer Calderon's uncle: Hamas stuffed him ahead of his release

Shami Calderon, uncle of released hostage Ofer Calderon, says Hamas terrorists stuffed Ofer ahead of his release in ceasefire deal. 'Three months before his release he weighed 25 kilograms less.'

Israeli official: We're weighing bringing caravans into Gaza

Israel and the US are pushing for an additional hostage release in the next few days - or the release of all six living hostages next Saturday.

Hostage's mother:

'They are in chains, starving, suffering unimaginable torture'

'I won't stop until we bring you home. I'll do whatever it takes to save you,' hostage Matan Zangauker's mother Einav says at rally.

Ohad Ben-Ami to hostages:

With G-d's help, you'll be released soon

Ohad Ben-Ami, released from Hamas captivity, sends a video message to those still hostage during a Families Forum protest in Tel Aviv.

'A gift for his wife'

Terrorists told Sagui of daughter's birth, gave gift for his wife

Terrorists told hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen of his daughter's birth while he was in captivity, gave him earrings to give his wife as a gift; Sasha Troufanov was informed in captivity of his father Vitaly's death, and burst into tears.

'She's such a strong woman'

Sasha meets his mother, and his girlfriend Sapir

Watch: Sasha Troufanov reunites with his mother, Yelena, and his partner Sapir Cohen at the initial reception point in Israel.

'Wow, you're a champ!'

Yair Horn meets his father in the hospital

Yair Horn meets mother Ruth and brother Amos at the initial reception point in Israel, and afterwards meets his father Yitzhak at Ichilov Hospital. Watch.

Sagui hears his infant daughter's name for the first time

After 498 days in Hamas captivity, family of hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen watches his release from his wife Avital's apartment in Carmei Gat, and from the town of Gvaot Bar.

Moving:

'Thanks for watching over me, Daddy is on the way'

Watch the moving moments when released hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen meets his family, and as he makes his way to an IDF helicopter. 'Bari, Gali, and Shachar - thanks for watching over me, Daddy is on his way.'

After nearly 500 days:

Iair, Sagui, and Sasha are back in Israel

Sagui Dekel-Chen was informed of his daughter's birth, Sasha Troufanov of the murder of his father Vitaly. All three have arrived in hospitals in central Israel.

Ribbons of Hope

Yellow ribbons have become mixed symbols in our divisive national context. Op-ed.

Hamas confirms:

Three hostages will be released Saturday, as per original deal

In official statement, Hamas terror group confirms deal is still on, says additional hostages will be released Saturday.

Hamas official: Hostage release to go on as planned

Hamas official says terror group won't release all hostages on Saturday, but will release hostages in accordance with the agreement already signed, Kan News reports.

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.