hostages

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.

Tikva Forum: There is no blood that is worth more or less

Tikva Forum for hostages' families urges government not to agree to a partial deal. 'Proposed deal leaves behind those who appear in the video clips - how can we decide who is worthy of life and who should remain behind in hell?'

Arab report: Hamas attempting to locate living hostages

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani says there is 'new momentum' in negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas terror group in Gaza.

Hamas publishes sign of life from hostage Matan Zangauker

Hamas publishes footage from hostage Matan Zangauker, family approves video's release.

Minister Sa'ar to Blinken:

'Israel seriously intends to advance hostage deal'

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the ongoing cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and the importance of ensuring the agreement is fully implemented.

Danielle Aloni:

'They tried to convince me to leave Emilia in Gaza'

Danielle Aloni, who was kidnapped to Gaza together with her daughter Emilia and released in a November 2023 prisoner swap deal, talks about the conditions of their captivity and the pressure for her daughter to remain behind in Gaza.

Smotrich:

Trump made 'clear and morally sound statements'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich thanks US President-elect Donald Trump for clarifying that Hamas will suffer a heavy blow if Israeli hostages are not returned prior to Inauguration Day.

Minister Orit Strock:

If there's a hostage deal like the first - we'll support it

Minister Orit Strock slams aid to Gaza, says Jewish settlement of Gaza not part of war's goals, and responds to ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

Hostage Omer Neutra declared fallen IDF soldier

Captain Omer Maxim Neutra, lone soldier from New York, served as a tank commander in the IDF. He was kidnapped to Gaza during the October 7 massacre, and was recently declared dead.

Over a thousand rally in New York, demanding action for hostages

Adi Alexander, father of Edan Alexander, urges US President Biden, President-elect Trump, and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu: 'This is a moment for courage, collaboration, and decisive action.'

White House:

War in Gaza would end tomorrow if Hamas released hostages

Video of hostages Edan Alexander a 'a cruel reminder of Hamas’s terror against citizens of multiple countries, including our own,' White House statement reads.

Mother of British hostage:

'UN resolution would've been a death sentence for our loved ones'

'If UN & other international organizations had done their jobs, our loved ones would be home by now. Instead, we get excuses, fake support, & empty promises,' Mandy Damari, mother of British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari, says at Sha'ar Hanegev rally.

Psychological terrorism:

In Hamas video, American-Israeli hostage speaks to Trump

Idan Alexander, an immigrant from New Jersey, was kidnapped from the Kissufim Crossing by Hamas terrorists, and has been held captive in Gaza ever since.

Egypt's proposal:

Temporary ceasefire with hostage release

Egyptian intelligence delegation proposes ceasefire-prisoner swap deal lasting one or two months and including hostage release, talks to end war.

Labor Minister:

'The hostages are the nation's biggest wound'

Labor Minister Yoav Ben Tzur calls to increase diplomatic and military pressure to bring hostages home. 'Time is running out.'

Hamas publishes footage which seems to show murdered hostage

'We are examining the information, and at this stage, we cannot confirm or refute it,' IDF spokesman says.

Award-winning actor:

'Let everyone in Gaza die of hunger until the hostages come home'

Israel should have paused all humanitarian aid to Gaza at the start of the war in order to release all the hostages, Israeli actor Uri Gavriel says.

Hostage's father to AG:

IDF must defeat Hamas, bring back hostages

'IDF is not measured by whether soldiers give water to a woman in Gaza, but by whether it defends the citizens of Israel,' Tzvika Mor, father of hostage Eitan Mor, tells Knesset committee.

Watch: Residents of Eli and relatives of hostages sing together

Residents of the town of Eli, which has lost several soldiers in the war, sing together with families of hostages during a special evening in Eli dedicated to prayers for the hostages' welfare.

More psychological terror:

Fourth sign of life from hostage Sasha Trufanov

Islamic Jihad publishes fourth video, second within a week, of hostage Sasha Trufanov - this time with him begging Shas chief Aryeh Deri not to let him die in Gaza.

With the Chief Rabbi:

Hostages' families pray for their safe return at Rachel's Tomb

On the anniversary of Rachel the Matriarch's passing, Israel's new Chief Rabbi joins dozens of relatives of hostages in prayers for their safe return.

Islamic JIhad reveals:

Additional sign of life from hostage Sasha Troufanov

Islamic Jihad releases third sign of life from hostage Sasha Troufanov, who turned 29 earlier this week.

Biden's bizarre response to an Israeli reporter's question

US President Joe Biden is asked by an Israeli journalist whether he believes a hostage deal is possible in the near future - and offers a response that raises a storm.

Noa Argamani on Instagram: 'The abandonment continues'

The hostage rescued during Operation Arnon criticized the Israeli government: 'Another day passes and another day passes amid complete uncertainty wrapped in despair.'

Heartbreaking:

Mothers of hostages sing together

Marking 400 days since the October 7 kidnappings and massacre, mothers of hostages sing, 'Bo'ee Ima,' 'Come, Mother,' at Hostages Square rally. Watch.

Released hostage:

Failure to reach a deal seals the fate of the hostages

Maya Regev, kidnapped on October 7 together with her brother and boyfriend, and released last year in a prisoner swap deal, speaks at central rally.

Sources: Intense efforts underway to secure prisoner swap deal

Egypt expects progress in ceasefire-prisoner swap deal to lower tensions in region, report says.

Payment for info on hostages:

'There are messages which could be interesting'

Daniel Birnbaum, former SEO of SodaStream, says he's receiving messages from all over the world after promising a reward for hostages' return, explains reasoning behind his offer.

Watch: Lipa Schmeltzer sings to Noa Argamani

Hasidic American singer Lipa Schmeltzer dedicates song to rescued hostage Noa Argamani, singing praises of her faith and strength of character. Watch.

Israeli official:

'Qatar has become more significant in the negotiations'

Israeli source says that after Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's death, Qatar holds the keys to a prisoner swap deal and the ability to pressure Hamas.

'Dress like Naama'

Women call for the return of Naama Levy in powerful demonstration

Women dress in outfits similar to that worn by hostage Naama Levy at the time of her kidnapping, in a powerful call for her release.

IDF: Rumors of hostage rescue are untrue

For the third time in less than 24 hours, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari clarifies that Israelis held captive in Gaza were not freed; investigation opened.

Sinwar's body transferred to secret location following autopsy

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar weighed around 70 kilograms at the time of his death; his corpse is expected to be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations for hostages' release.

Defense Minister:

Chance hostages will be smuggled out of Gaza is minimal

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks with relatives of the hostages, responding to inquiry regarding possibility that they may no longer be in Gaza.

Moving:

The haredi rabbi who has slept on the floor & board since Oct. 7

Families of hostages tour Bnei Brak, learn that Rabbi Yitzhak Koledetski has slept on the floor or on a board since the October 7 massacre. 'How can he sleep comfortably?'

13-year-old released hostage: 'Civilians hit me in Gaza'

Eitan Yahalomi, 13, kidnapped to Gaza on October 7, and released in a November 2023 deal, speaks about the kidnapping and his first days in captivity.

J Street chooses Palestinian State over prioritizing the hostages

What happened when a hostage's father turned to J Street for help. Op-ed.

Hostage Idan Shtivi was murdered the morning of October 7, 2023

Petah Tikva municipality announces that hostage Idan Shtivi was murdered on the morning of the October 7, 2023, massacre, and his body was kidnapped to Gaza.

Gaza:

Israel frees Yazidi woman kidnapped by ISIS and sold to Hamas

After more than a decade in captivity in Gaza: The IDF led by COGAT, in collaboration with the US Embassy in Israel, rescued a young Yazidi woman held by a Hamas terrorist affiliated with ISIS in the Gaza Strip

Pray for a hostage in the dark

We know the well-known Gemara (Bava Kamma 92a), that those who daven for others will have their prayers answered first

Nova artist launches new October 7th exhibition with StandWithUs

'Faces of October 7th' exhibition opens in Jerusalem with the families of victims, ahead of Oct. 7th anniversary.

Former Mossad chief:

We should've released all terrorists in exchange for hostages

'The Israeli government chose revenge, it could've released all terrorists in exchange for all hostages on the morning of October 8,' former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo alleges.

Clashes at Tel Aviv protest:

Hostage's relative detained, protesters surround police car

Police detain Shachar Mor Zahiro, nephew of murdered hostage Avraham Munder; protesters and Labor MKs surround squad car.

Two terrorists who held hostages eliminated

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari reveals that two of the terrorists who held the six hostages who were murdered in captivity have been eliminated.

Watch:

Trump invites rescued hostage to join him on stage

Former US President Donald Trump invites Andrei Kozlov, who was held hostage in Gaza and rescued during 'Operation Arnon,' to join him on stage, quipping, 'He has more courage than I do.'

Report:

Israeli proposal for prisoner swap offers an end to the war

Israel has presented the US with a plan to release the hostages, end the war, and allow Hamas leaders to safely leave Gaza.

Prime Minister's Office:

Despite the pressure, we agreed to all the US offers

'Whoever wants to help the efforts to free our hostages must pressure the murderer, Sinwar, and not the Prime Minister of Israel.'

Haredi MK tells hostages' families:

There was a proposal for a unity government - it's off the table

In first, MK Moshe Gafni speaks about the discourse regarding a unity government, reveals that the proposal is no longer relevant.

'I trust you'

First sign of life from Matan Angrest

Anat Angrest, the mother of captive soldier Matan Angrest, published an audio clip in which her son is heard addressing the Prime Minister from captivity, asking for help.

Video of murdered hostage Alexander Lobanov made public

In a video crafted by Hamas for the purpose of psychological terrorism, murdered hostage Alexander Lobanov can be heard criticizing the Israeli government, and urging his family to stay strong.

Released hostage:

I discovered Yarden Bibas and Ofer Kalderon held in pens

Adina Moshe, released in the November 2023 prisoner swap deal, says Yarden Bibas expressed hope that his wife and children were not kidnapped by the terrorists.

Restating the obvious: Hamas isn’t negotiating

“Unfortunately, many people repeat the narrative that in fact we are the ones preventing a deal,” said Gal Hirsch. “But this is a lie.” Op-ed.

Cabinet ministers horrified after watching terror tunnel footage

IDF presents Cabinet with chilling footage from the tunnel where six Israeli hostages were found murdered and their bodies recovered.

Hostage's father: Humanitarian aid torpedoes my son's return

Kobi Samerano, father of murdered hostage Yonatan Samerano, criticizes Israeli government for allowing humanitarian aid to reach Hamas. 'You are torpedoing my son's return while you are feeding Hamas.'

Arab source: Hamas didn't toughen its positions

Hamas is demanding that a higher number of high-profle terrorists with blood on their hands be released in a prisoner swap deal - even in exchange for 'humanitarian' hostages.

This is Hamas' new demand for a ceasefire deal

Washington Post reports Hamas is demanding a last-minute change in prisoner swap-ceasefire deal; 'take it or leave it' proposal 'indefinitely' delayed.

'We had to smile'

Released hostage gives details on Hamas' hostage videos

Released hostage Aviva Siegel details how she was forced to say her lines 'again and again,' says Hamas tried to make her look presentable before taking photos. 'We had to sit next to them and smile and say everything is OK, just for the picture.'

The Oslo effect

Israelis won’t forgive or forget the left’s weaponization of the hostages to do Hamas’s dirty work for it. It is a terrible betrayal. Opinion.

A new hostage paradigm

Time for some hard truths on the hostage issue. While it is admirable that Israel values each individual life so deeply, prioritizing the safety of millions over the tragic fate of a few is the best bad choice they can make. Opinion.

Families of hostages pressuring Biden to make unilateral deal

Families of Americans held hostage in Gaza pressuring Biden administration to work towards unilateral deal with Hamas terror group, NBC reports.