Swords of Iron

Witkoff to families:

Trump will not tolerate anything less than full hostage return

US envoys Witkoff and Boehler meet with hostage families in Tel Aviv, affirm full US commitment to securing the return of all 58 hostages.

Netanyahu to wounded reservists:

'We are going all the way to destroy Hamas'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets wounded IDF reservists, vows to press forward with full force to defeat Hamas and secure the release of all hostages. 'We are going for absolute victory.'

Netanyahu to Edan Alexander: 'All of Israel embraces you'

Freed soldier Edan Alexander speaks with PM Netanyahu and President Trump after release from Hamas captivity; US envoy praises Israeli leadership in emotional exchange.

Former NSA Chief:

Trump is a friend, not a messiah

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Yaakov Amidror urges Israelis to rely on their own strength, says US support under Trump is welcome but limited by American interests.

'An Underground City:'

Former ISA official predicts years of fighting in Gaza

Following the release of Idan Alexander from Hamas captivity, former ISA field coordinator Ilan Segev warns that despite the joy, the road to rescuing the remaining 58 hostages is long and fraught with complexity.

Edan Alexander declines Qatar visit, plans to meet Trump in US

Released Israeli-American soldier cites medical needs after captivity; family says meeting with US President Donald Trump will happen later in the US.

In Khan Yunis

'Journalist' who documented October 7th eliminated

IDF strikes significant Hamas terrorists who were operating from within the “Nasser” hospital in Khan Yunis. PA reports: Gazan "journalist" who broadcast live footage of a burning tank on October 7th eliminated in the strike.

Netanyahu:

'Things will happen in Gaza you haven’t seen before'

Wounded soldiers from the war meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu and call for a decisive victory in Gaza. Netanyahu: "A decision has been made to go all the way. We are very close."

First hug

Edan Alexander's moving reunion with his family

Footage shows the moving moment released American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander reunited with his family in Israel.

Footage from Gaza:

Commander of Edan's brigade announces his release

The commander of the Golani Brigade, where Edan served when he was abducted, notified his troops of the hostage's release.

'Held In A Cage':

Edan Alexander shares torturous conditions of his captivity

After 584 days in captivity, IDF soldier and American citizen Edan Alexander has returned to Israel, offering a chilling testimony of his ordeal in Gaza.

Herzog and German Chancellor watch release of Edan Alexander

At the end of their meeting, the Israeli President and the Chancellor of Germany watched together the release of Edan Alexander, after 584 days in Hamas captivity.

Watch:

Family of Edan Alexander celebrates release from Hamas captivity

The Alexander family was seen celebrating shortly after news broke that Edan had been transferred to the Red Cross following a year and a half in captivity.

Father of Hostage:

'I have no expectations from Trump'

Tzvika Mor, father of hostage Eitan Mor, warns of political manipulation, partial deals, and misplaced trust as global attention returns to Gaza.

What did Hamas gain from Edan Alexander's release?

Al Jazeera media analyst says release of American-Israeli hostage handed Hamas a diplomatic victory and exposed tensions between Washington and Jerusalem.

Former senior Mossad official:

'Hamas will remain in Gaza - there is no magic solution'

Dr. Amnon Sofrin estimates that the many declarations that Hamas will be destroyed completely are likely to fall short of the truth.

Watch:

Residents of Edan Alexander's hometown wait for his release

Residents of Tenafly, New Jersey, the hometown of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, gathered in the early morning hours to wait for his expected release.

Hostage's mother: Edan Alexander's release 'only the first step'

Families of hostages deliver press statement at Hostages Square, sharing their feelings as news of hostage Edan Alexander's release becomes official.

IDF preparing for release of Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity

Staff Sgt. Edan Alexander to be brought to Re'im upon release from Hamas captivity, footage will be released only with the family's permission.

Minister Eli Cohen:

Hamas' fear of escalation led to hostage release

Energy Minister Eli Cohen credits IDF pressure and US diplomacy for the expected release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, warns against temporary truces that allow Hamas to regroup.

Assessment in Israel:

Edan Alexander to be released this afternoon

Family of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander says US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has notified them that Hamas will release him from captivity. Senior Hamas official: We were advised to “give a gift to President Trump and in return he will give back a better one.”

Pope Leo in first address:

'Deeply hurt by goings on in Gaza, ceasefire now’

In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV expresses deep pain over the violence in Gaza, urging an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

Islamic Jihad:

Hostages will be released only when war ends

Deputy leader of Islamic Jihad says Israeli demand to disarm terrorist organizations is totally unacceptable as it means the beginning of the forced expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza.

Report:

US and Hamas holding direct talks on ceasefire

Both Al Jazeera and Reuters are reporting that Hamas and the US are directly discussing a ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Nahal Brigade to redeploy from Judea and Samaria to Gaza

During their counterterrorism activities in Judea and Samaria, the soldiers apprehended over 100 wanted individuals, confiscated dozens of weapons, and eliminated several terrorists.

Report:

Trump slams Gaza offensive as ‘wasted effort’

According to a report by NBC News, US President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are at growing odds over military actions, the Iran nuclear approach, and other matters.

After raids in Syria, Paratroopers redeploy to southern front

After months of operations along the Syrian border, IDF paratroopers conclude their mission in the north and join preparations for expanded ground activity in Gaza.

Hamas continues to build new terror tunnels

The IDF has so far managed to destroy only about a quarter of the Hamas tunnels in the Gaza Strip. Military sources have expressed concern about the phenomenon of tunnel reconstruction and the construction of new tunnels.

Report: Humanitarian aid to Gaza set to restart in two weeks

IDF to provide security, private American companies to distribute aid, prevent Hamas interference.

Heroism and sacrifice:

The last words of Sergeant Yishai Urbach before his fall in Gaza

Yuval, Yishai Urbach’s widow, recalls his final conversation, as he prepared for a mission of strength and honor fighting for his people and country. 'I am proud of him.'

Golani Brigade: Defeating Hamas, one battle at a time in Rafah

Troops target underground infrastructure and combat terrorists in the heart of Jeninah, as the brigade vows to bring hostages home and secure victory.

Due to technical malfunction:

F-16 drops munitions in Jezreel Valley

IDF confirms controlled drop of munitions in open area to ensure fighter jet's safe landing.

Nine soldiers injured by explosive in Shejaiya

Nine Jerusalem Brigade soldiers evacuated after explosive device detonates in Gaza.

Hostages Forum calls for 'comprehensive regional agreement'

Hostages Families Forum responds to report on regional initiative, calls on Israeli government to surrender war in exchange for hostages' release.

IDF and Shin Bet strike terrorists in northern Gaza

IDF and Shin Bet say they struck several Hamas terrorists who were operating in the area of Jabalia, exploiting civilian infrastructure and the Gazan population as human shields.

Rafah:

Captured terrorists provide info on underground infrastructure

IDF troops dismantle underground terrorist infrastructure about 25 meters deep in the Shabura area of Rafah.

Stalemate in talks with Hamas over ceasefire deal

A Hamas delegation held two rounds of talks in Doha this week with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, but negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire hit a deadlock as Hamas demands a sweeping, one-phase end to the war.

Hamas insists:

We will not proceed with a deal without end of war

Hamas negotiation team rejects proposed offers and ideas based only on partial settlements and insist only on a deal that would end the war.

Ex-hostage recounts:

'We tried to escape through streets of Gaza'

Freed hostage Eliya Cohen recounted his attempt with other hostages to escape until they were recognized as Jews by a Gazan civilian. 'Everyone is Gaza supports this.'

Sgt. Yishai Urbach was married 2 months before he fell in Gaza

Sergeant Yishai Elyakim Urbach from Zichron Ya'akov went back into Gaza 2 months after getting married, where he was killed in action.

Over Gaza war

EU to reassess Israel trade deal

European Union foreign ministers are set to formally discuss reviewing a trade agreement with Israel amid deepening concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Cleared for publication:

Two IDF soldiers fell in battle in Gaza

Sergeant Yishai Elyakim Urbach and Staff Sergeant Yam Frid fell during combat in the southern Gaza Strip. Four other soldiers seriously wounded. A total of 856 soldiers have fallen since the start of the war.

A mother’s hope

Hostages' mothers mark second Mother's Day without their sons

As Mother’s Day nears, Israeli mothers of hostages held in Gaza plead for international pressure and renewed diplomatic efforts to bring their children home after 580 days in captivity.

Tamir Nimrodi among hostages whose fate is unknown

Since the October 7th Massacre, no sign of life was received from Tamir Nimrodi.

Deputy FM to CNN:

'Some journalists prefer to receive info from terror orgs'

Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel responded to accusations against Israel with CNN senior anchor Christiane Amanpour: 'Military pressure is what led to the last two deals.'

Netanyahu:

'I'm telling Hamas, the rules are changing soon'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited a training exercise of the IDF’s 5th Brigade on Thursday in Tze’elim, reiterates the 2 goals of defeating Hamas and returning the hostages.

Terrorist who abducted 87-year-old woman eliminated

Muhammad Rasmi Marzouq Barakeh, a terrorist in the military intelligence of Hamas, infiltrated Israel during the October 7th Massacre and participated in the abduction of Yaffa Adar.

IDF eliminates commander in Hamas rocket production headquarters

Over the past 72 hours, the IAF struck over 150 terror targets in the Gaza Strip, including terrorist cells, underground terrorist infrastructure sites, and military structures from which terrorists were operating.

Gaza:

Bedouin laborer caught in IDF gun theft attempt

IDF soldiers in Gaza noticed a Bedioun contracted worker, who had security clearance to work for the Israeli forces, apparently attempting to steal an FN MAG machine gun.

Israeli source:

21 hostages alive, concerns for lives of 1 Israeli, 2 foreigners

Israeli source says families of the three hostages from whom signs of life were not received were informed of concerns for their loved ones' welfare early on in the war.

'You Honored a Denier':

Released hostage slams Pulitzer Prize committee

Emily Damari, held captive for 471 days, blasts the Pulitzer Prize board for awarding journalist Mosab Abu Toha, accusing him of denying her abduction and the murder of Israeli hostages.

MK Amit Halevi:

IDF's house-clearing tactics in Gaza endanger soldiers

Likud MK Amit Halevi slams IDF combat strategy in Gaza, urging Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to halt manual building-clearing operations, adopt siege-first tactics to protect soldiers’ lives.

Palestinian Authority leader begs UN: Save Gaza - from Israel

PA leader Mohammad Mustafa urges UN intervention, accuses Israel of blocking aid and causing famine in Gaza amid continued fighting and stalled ceasefire talks.

Released hostage reflects on strengthened faith during captivity

Former hostage Omer Shemtov shares his spiritual journey and unwavering resolve, even when pressured to carry out attacks.

Poll reveals:

Nearly half of Gaza residents would seek Israeli help to emigrate

Survey reveals rising dissatisfaction with Hamas and growing interest in leaving Gaza, though many doubt the authenticity of recent protests.

Calls for political process

Macron criticizes Israel’s Gaza tactics

French President Emmanuel Macron condemns Israel's military actions in Gaza, warning they may violate humanitarian principles.

Chief of Staff:

'Everyone enlists, everyone serves, everyone sacrifices'

IDF Chief of Staff LTG Eyal Zamir tells brigade, division commanders the military is moving toward "Phase 2" of the plan for the "decisive defeat" of Hamas.

Netanyahu:

'We know for sure that 21 hostages are alive'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the number of living hostages and admitted that the situation of three of them is unknown.

Report:

US, Israel discuss American-led interim administration in Gaza

Proposal would see a US official head a transitional administration in Gaza until demilitarization and a stable Palestinian leadership are achieved.

Defense Minister:

'IDF will remain in all captured territory'

As Israel prepares for Operation Gideon's Chariots, Minister Israel Katz presents the main objectives of the operation: destroying Hamas, freeing the hostages, and evacuating the civilian population.