hostages

Who is on the list to be released next week?

Next Saturday, Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, and Keith Siegel are expected to be released from Hamas captivity. Israeli source clarifies: 'No official list yet.'

Hostages' testimonies revealed

The four newly-released IDF soldiers recounted that there was an elderly hostage who looked after them, ensured they could eat and shower - and was killed in captivity.

Report:

Freed hostage Emily Damari offered Keith Siegel to take her place

Emily Damari, freed last week in a deal with Hamas, asked if American-Israeli Keith Siegel could be released instead of her, report says.

Hamas' cynical video:

Returning hostages smile, 'thank' captors in Arabic

Hamas publishes footage of Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, and Karina Ariev smiling and 'thanking' the terrorists in Arabic for 'taking good care of them' in captivity, 'for the food, the drinks, and the clothing,' and for 'protection from the attacks.'

'Arbel Yehud is alive and will be released next Saturday'

Senior Israeli officials say they expect Arbel Yehud to be released in the coming days - even before Saturday.

IDF spokesman: Hamas did not keep the deal

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari says there is great concern over fate of Bibas family. 'Israel expects to receive certainty on the matter.'

After 477 days in captivity:

Liri, Naama, Daniella, and Karina return home to Israel

Four of the five IDF lookouts kidnapped from the Nahal Oz military post during the October 7 massacre are returned to Israel.

Families of hostages:

2nd phase must be implemented, all remaining hostages must return

Families of the hostages call on Israeli government to complete all phases of the deal, ensure the return of all hostages under the ceasefire agreement with Hamas - until the last captive is home.

Unique request:

Hostage's mother: Don't desecrate the Sabbath

Merav Berger, whose daughter Agam was kidnapped on October 7 and is held hostage in Gaza, says she will try to avoid desecrating Shabbat and asks the media to respect her wishes.

Trudeau calls on Hamas to release all hostages

Resigning Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stressing importance of sticking to ceasefire deal, calls for release of remaining hostages.

'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.

Released hostage to Trump & Biden:

'Your leadership and commitment have been instrumental'

Hours before deal begins, thousands rally for all hostages' return and mark Kfir Bibas' second birthday. Released hostage Amit Soussana thanks US President Joe Biden, president-elect Donald Trump, for new deal, urges them to see it to completion.

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu:

Stop the 700th of October

Whoever votes in favor of the deal brings the devil himself to the streets of Israel. Most of the terrorists released for the second time are laughing and signaling victory with their hands and movements.

Footage:

IDF completes preparations for hostages' return

IDF sets up absorption centers to provide returning hostages with medical and personal support; following their arrival at the centers, the hostages will be brought to hospitals where they will meet their loved ones.

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.

Hospitals prepare to receive hostages

Health Ministry sends guidelines to hospitals preparing to receive released hostages ahead of impending ceasefire deal with Hamas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Families of hostages: 'Historic opportunity must not be missed'

Relatives of hostages urge deal in nationwide rallies, as delegation heads to Qatar.

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.

Rescued hostage Noa Argamani meets US congressmen and senators

Rescued hostage Noa Argamani shares Hamas video with congressmen and senators in Washington, D.C., urges them to make hostages' release a priority.

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.

Hostage's mother appeals to Trump:

'Don't let any hostage stay behind'

Meirav Leshem-Gonen, mother of Romi, who was kidnapped to Gaza during the October 7 massacre, begs US President-elect Donald Trump: 'Please make sure that you are standing with us - do whatever is needed to bring them back.'

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.'

Albag family responds to video: 'It tore our hearts to pieces'

Family of kidnapped IDF lookout Liri Albag sends a message to their daughter and the world: 'Liri, if you're hearing us, tell the others that all the families are moving heaven and earth. We will fight until all hostages are returned.'

After 456 days:

Hamas publishes sign of life from hostage Liri Albag

Hamas publishes a sign of life from hostage Liri Albag, who was kidnapped from the Nahal Oz military base during the October 7 massacre.

Hostages families:

Calls for 'unity' are an attempt to end the war

Hostages' relatives from the Tikva Forum cry to public: 'Calls for unity mask a call to end the war and pay a painful price; these calls actually make it harder to bring the hostages back.'

The information that could've saved six hostages

Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, rescued from Gaza, related that he heard a woman say, 'Good morning' in Hebrew in the tunnels. Despite his testimony, no changes were made to the IDF's operational plans.

Health Min. to present report on hostages to the United Nations

'Report highlights horrors the hostages endured, reveals the brutality of the enemy with whom Israel is engaged; global community must utilize all available means to end this cruelty and bring the hostages home,' Health Minister Uriel Busso says.

Watch:

100 vehicles form hostage ribbon symbol in Sde Boker

One hundred vehicles, one for each hostage still in Gaza, form the hostage ribbon symbol in Sde Boker.

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.

Hannah Katzir, who survived Hamas captivity, passes away

Chana (Hannah) Katzir, 77, passes away just over one year after her release in a November 2023 prisoner swap deal with Hamas.

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.

'Am Israel chai'

Watch: John Kirby emotionally recites prayer for the hostages

White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby dons kippah before reciting the prayer for the hostages at the Israeli embassy.

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.'

Moving:

Rescued hostage recites blessing of thanksgiving

Louis Har, rescued from Hamas captivity during Operation Arnon, arrives at Givat Shmuel yeshiva to recite 'Hagomel,' is greeted with song and dance.

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.

Released hostage:

'A partial deal is a hole in this nation's heart'

At the Hostages' Families Rally at Hostages Square, families emphasize: 'There will be no victory until the last hostage returns! We demand a deal that will guarantee the return of all hostages home!'

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.'

Hostages' families:

Every hour the Prime Minister spends in court hurts the hostages

Tikva Forum for the families of hostages urges Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara: 'Every hour dedicated to legal proceedings comes at the expense of bringing hostages home and the chance that a deal will succeed.'

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.