Swords of Iron

Khalil al-Hayya

'Hamas received guarantees from US on end of war'

Hamas leader says the terror group received guarantees from America and the mediators that the hostage deal will end the war.

Chief of Staff Zamir in Gaza:

'Military pressure and a ground offensive achieved the deal'

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir toured the Gaza Strip with senior IDF officers, reviewed forces' readiness, and said that the deal was only possible due to the IDF.

Bereaved father:

'Trump freed hostages? These are our sons and daughters'

Bereaved father Itzik Buntzel insisted that the credit goes not to Trump for freeing the hostages, but to the IDF.

Iris Haim: 'Rejoice quietly, in a trembling voice'

Iris Haim, mother of kidnapped and killed hostage Yotam Haim, calls on Israeli public to rejoice with modesty and remember the fallen soldiers and the hostages who will never return to their families.

Hamas official:

Deal with Israel includes end to war, senior terrorists' release

Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan says new agreement guarantees 'final cessation of the war in Gaza,' with US oversight to ensure Israel’s compliance.

Dr. Hagai Ben-Artzi:

We are signing off on the next massacre and kidnappings

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s brother-in-law Dr. Hagai Ben-Artzi warns against deal with Hamas, says it means 'signing approval for the next massacre with our own hands.'

Hostages' families:

We understand the price, Israel must prevent future kidnappings

Tikva Forum for families of hostages and fallen soldiers acknowledges Trump deal's risk to Israeli public, demands Israel prevent future kidnappings.

Hamas demanding release of major archterrorists in hostage deal

List of prisoners on Hamas' list includes Marwan Barghouti, Abdullah Barghouti, Ahmad Sa'adat, Ibrahim Hamad, Abbas al-Sayeed, and Hassan Salamah; PM's Office clarifies ceasefire has not yet taken effect.

Israel’s healthcare system on high alert ahead of hostage return

Hospitals, Health Ministry, preparing for the largest hostage admittance operation thus far. 'We are preparing for the worst of all and hoping for good.'

Gal Gadot:

'I'm not religious, but I prayed for the hostages'

Gal Gadot shares a message of hope after a deal to free remaining hostages and end the Gaza war, calling for peace, compassion, and an end to suffering on both sides.

Amit Segal:

There will be no second stage, this is a hostage deal

Analyst Amit Segal says deal with Hamas is a first-stage deal only, does not weaken the terror group or impact what the future may hold.

Captivity survivors to Arutz Sheva:

Keep praying until they come home

Three survivors of Hamas captivity told Arutz Sheva at Hostages Square they are hopeful yet cautious after the new Gaza deal, urging the nation to keep praying until every hostage returns.

Kidnapped soldier's mother:

Bring everyone home before Hamas receives anything in exchange

Leah and Simcha Goldin, parents of killed and kidnapped soldier Hadar, urge government to recover all hostages, including their son, before giving anything to Hamas. 'Until he is home, we are still at war.'

Ahead of ceasefire:

IDF on high alert ahead of potential Hamas attacks and abductions

IDF Chief of Staff orders military to be prepared for any scenario, fearing Hamas may exploit final hours before ceasefire to carry out attacks on Israel or IDF forces.

Herzog:

President Trump deserves Nobel Prize for Gaza hostage deal

President Isaac Herzog hailed the agreement to free hostages and end the Gaza war, thanking Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Donald Trump, whom he said deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.

IDF to significantly withdraw from Khan Yunis in southern Gaza

Amended maps for Gaza deal include significant IDF withdrawal in Khan Yunis and southern Gaza, as per Hamas' request.

Hostage's mother to Arutz Sheva:

Tears of joy haven't stopped flowing

Einav, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, tells Arutz Sheva about her feelings and excitement after Israel and Hamas agreed to a deal for his release.

Footage revealed from captivity of Nepali hostage held by Hamas

The family of Bipin Joshi, who was taken captive by Hamas on October 7, has revealed this evening a video collected as part of IDF intelligence that documents Bipin in Hamas captivity.

Expert team to investigate Gaza accident that wounded 3 soldiers

The IDF announced the establishment of a team of experts to examine the operational accident in southern Gaza, in which three reserve soldiers from Brigade 6 were injured by a grenade explosion.

Report:

The Chief of Staff's mistaken command on October 7th

New inquiry reveals the IAF did not make decisions independently on October 7, failing to attack hundreds of terrorists infiltrating Israeli territory. 'No intelligence, no preparedness.'

Hostage talks

Reports of positive atmosphere in Egypt negotiations

Envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff joined talks in Egypt with Israeli, Qatari, Turkish, and Hamas representatives amid reports of optimism and progress toward a Gaza ceasefire deal.

The Syrian media personality who joined Israel's hasbara efforts

Hayvi Bouzo, a Syrian reporter who narrowly escaped assassination in her home country, urges the international community to support Israel in its fight against Iran and its proxies. 'Israel is the only country fighting evil.'

Hamas demanding Nukhba terrorists' release in ceasefire deal

Hamas demands Israel free six senior terrorists, along with Nukhba terrorists responsible for the October 7 massacre. 'Optimism growing in ceasefire talks,' senior Hamas official reports.

Family of Nepali hostage to release Hamas footage of him

Family of Bipin Joshi says footage of him, which was filmed in November 2023 and recovered by the IDF, 'Gives us unwavering faith that he is alive.'

From Gaza’s darkness to hope:

Noa Argamani’s message two years after October 7

Rescued hostage Noa Argamani reflects on the two-year anniversary of the October 7 massacre, recalling her abduction from the Nova Music Festival and expressing hope for the safe return of her partner Avinatan and the remaining hostages.

Watch:

Ben Gvir prays on Temple Mount, reciting 'Kedusha' prayer

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir ascends Temple Mount in honor of Sukkot holiday, to pray 'for the destruction of Hamas and the return of the hostages.'

BBC apologizes for calling October 7 Massacre an 'escalation'

BBC faces renewed criticism after internal email marks two years since the October 7 massacre with wording many say minimized Hamas atrocities and reflected bias.

Reservists warn: Serious security failures at Nahal Oz

Reservists at Nahal Oz warn of major security failures at post attacked on during October 7 massacre.

Ex-IDF investigator:

Military Police raid retaliation for criticizing Oct. 7 cover-up

Former IDF War Investigations head Oren Solomon says Military Police raided his home to smear his name, claims former Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi influenced investigations of October 7th massacre.

Wall Street Journal:

Hamas demanding release of Yahya Sinwar's body

Wall Street Journal reports Hamas demanding bodies of leaders Yahya and Mohammed Sinwar; Israel has previously rejected similar requests.

19-hour escape:

US, Israel, and Jordan save Navy officer’s mother from Gaza

Ahlam Firwana, 59, was escorted out of Gaza in a 19-hour operation coordinated by U.S., Israeli, and Jordanian officials after her son, a US Navy medic, sought help to save her.

Netanyahu

'We will continue to work to achieve all war objectives'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issues statement marking two years since the October 7 massacre. "We will continue to act to bring back the hostages, to dismantle Hamas rule, and to ensure Israel's security. Together we will stand - and together we will win."

Two IDF soldiers seriously injured in Khan Yunis

The IDF reports that three fighters were injured in an operational accident from an IDF grenade explosion in a defensive position in Khan Yunis. Two of them are seriously injured.

Netanyahu

'Close to the end of the war, but not there yet'

In an interview with Ben Shapiro, the Prime Minister said that there are still tasks remaining to achieve a "complete victory" over Hamas.

2 years since start of war:

Long-range rockets uncovered in Gaza City

Brigade 401 fighters operating in Gaza City, located long-range rockets ready to be launched toward the center of Israel, including a cache of weapons, charges, cartridges, and other munitions.

MK Avi Maoz:

'Mixed feelings about hostage deal'

Noam Party Chairman Avi Maoz expresses concern about the implications of the deal to release the hostages, but still defines it as 'the best agreement for Israel in the current situation.'

Two years of war:

1,152 have fallen since October 7, 2023

New data from the Ministry of Defense reveals that 1,152 members of Israel's security forces have fallen since the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, including 487 under the age of 21.

Soldier dedicates Torah scroll in memory of fallen commander

Hundreds attended the ceremony dedicating a Torah scroll in memory of the late Maj. (res.) Netanel Hershkovitz, a year after he fell in battle in the Gaza Strip.

Foreign Minister Sa'ar: 'I don't trust Hamas, I trust Trump'

Gideon Sa'ar says Israel is nearing a deal for the release of hostages, but warns against trusting Hamas and expresses confidence in President Trump.

The mistake helping the IDF locate targets

Hamas's security forces says that Hamas operatives using mobile phones help Israeli intelligence pinpoint their exact locations for strikes.

Hostage deal:

Netanyahu gets green light from Ben-Gvir and Smotrich

PM Netanyahu secured coalition support to begin the hostage deal, as Smotrich and Ben-Gvir warn they won’t tolerate a Gaza agreement that leaves Hamas intact.

Report:

Hamas has begun locating the bodies of deceased hostages

Saudi media reports that Hamas has begun gathering the bodies of the deceased hostages, a more time-consuming process than moving the live hostages, in preparation for a deal.

Chief of Staff in Gaza:

If political effort fails, we will return to fight

IDF Chief LTG Zamir led a surprise drill in Gaza, stressing there is no ceasefire and warning that if needed, troops will return to fight until Hamas is dismantled.

Last Week Tonight blocks Israel from video criticizing Netanyahu

The HBO comedy show Last Week Tonight, hosted by John Oliver, published an episode harshly critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the war in Gaza - while blocking access to it in Israel.

Rubio: Hostage deal, Gaza leadership not ready yet

US Secretary of State Rubio says Gaza peace talks show progress, but warns forming a new Palestinian leadership and securing hostage releases will take more time.

Trump:

Hamas faces 'complete obliteration' if ceasefire plan rejected

As ceasefire talks progress, Trump warns of severe consequences for Hamas while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlines complex post-conflict challenges.

For the first time:

Regular haredi brigade soldiers enter Gaza

The IDF’s haredi Hashmonaim Brigade entered Gaza as a full battalion for the first time, marking a historic step with a Torah dedication and training haredi squad commanders.

Greta complained:

Greta Thunberg alleges mistreatment in Israeli custody

Greta Thunberg claims she faced harsh conditions after joining the 'Sumud' flotilla to Gaza. Minister Ben-Gvir rejected the claims, calling the activists terror supporters.

Lost both legs in explosion:

Rabbi injured in Syria: 'I just want to dance'

Rabbi Liraz Zeira, who was seriously injured by a landmine explosion in southern Syria and lost both of his legs, is determined to heal and .

Captivity survivor Gadi Mozes:

'For the first time since my release, I feel a glimmer of hope'

Captivity survivor Gadi Mozes speaks at Hostages Square, vowing to return and rebuild Nir Oz: "I am determined to live in Nir Oz again and rebuild it from the ground up."

MK Rothman:

250 terrorists with blood on their hands is a high price to pay

MK Simcha Rothman says US President Donald Trump's proposal is 'not good,' freeing terrorists with blood on their hands is a price too high to pay.

Trump: Israel agreed to initial withdrawal line

US President Donald Trump says Israel agreed to initial withdrawal line for peace agreement, ceasefire will take effect immediately following confirmation from Hamas.

Hostages' families: Don't stop the fighting in Gaza

The Tikva Forum urged the government to continue military pressure on Hamas, reject compromises, and secure the return of all hostages with strong oversight and no concessions.

Channel 12 journalist:

Netanyahu critics are 'a violent and embarrassing cult'

Channel 12 journalist Yaron Avraham blasts critics of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, says ‘they’d rather the hostages not return,’ if it means US President Donald Trump will hurt Netanyahu politically.

Hamas official claims it will take 'months' to find all hostages

Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk claims it will take months for Hamas to locate all hostages, Jerusalem official says terror group knows locations of all living hostages and is able to reach them.

Report: IDF to remain in key locations even after war's end

Israel has informed the US that the IDF will remain in three key locations in Gaza, even after the war ends and the IDF withdraws most forces, report says.

Trump:

'I said, Bibi, this is your chance for victory'

President Donald Trump said Israel and Hamas are close to a deal for hostages and peace in Gaza, vowing to restore Israel’s global support and urging Netanyahu to act.

Ceasefire deal:

Smotrich and Ben-Gvir to remain in the government - for now

Smotrich and other ministers blasted Netanyahu’s decision to pause Gaza operations for negotiations, warning it aids Hamas; Ben-Gvir threatened Otzma Yehudit may quit.

Abbas: 'The Gaza Strip belongs to the State of Palestine'

Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas welcomes US President Donald Trump's demand that Israel halt strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza, urges full ceasefire

Mamdani reiterates claim that war against Hamas is 'genocide'

NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, appearing on ‘The View,’ earns applause for calling Gaza war a ‘genocide.’