Swords of Iron

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.

IDF strikes Hamas command center embedded in UNRWA school

Hamas command center operated out of UNRWA's 'Sheikh Jamil School' also known as the 'Ahmed Abdul Aziz School' in the humanitarian area in Khan Yunis, IDF clarifies.

Talks on hostage deal

Sources: An agreement could be finalized in the coming weeks

Sources involved in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas over the release of hostages in Gaza tell Haaretz that the final number of hostages to be freed as part of the humanitarian phase of the deal remains uncertain.

IDF eliminates terrorists, including senior PIJ terrorist in Gaza

The terrorists were operating in a command and control center used to plan and carry out an imminent terror attack against IDF troops.

Watch:

Rabbi Yaakov Ariel recites Kaddish prayer in Nir Oz

Senior religious Zionist rabbis toured the Gaza envelope and called for a deal to release the hostages that would not harm Israeli security.

Netanyahu:

'I spoke to Trump about the need to complete Israel's victory'

The Prime Minister reemphasized that Israel does not seek confrontation with Syria: 'We will decide Israel's policies on Syria based on the reality on the ground.'

Wave of bombings against Hamas in Gaza

The IDF conducted operations in Beit Hanoun, killing several threats with air and ground strikes, and arresting additional suspects.

Eizenkot at son's memorial:

'We must not go back to the madness prior to Oct. 7'

Eisenkot called for an investigation into the events of October 7 and the conduct during the war, adding that, 'to be worthy is to make a brave decision and bring the hostages back home.'

Former Min. of Defense:

Moshe Ya'alon explains: 'My goal is to protect the soldiers'

Former Minister of Defense, Moshe Ya'alon, explains his comments on 'ethnic cleansing in Gaza,' saying that 'when you push for population cleansing, it is a war crime. I stated my warning to prevent soldiers from being harmed.'

New study shows:

Gazan civilian death toll exaggerated to vilify Israel

Study by the Henry Jackson Society think tank finds the number of civilians reported killed in the Gaza conflict has been manipulated by Hamas-run authorities in Gaza for propaganda purposes, with international media often repeating the claims without scrutiny.

Hostage's mother:

'Netanyahu lied to me, I will be your worst nightmare'

Einav Zangauker, mother of Matan who is being held hostage in the Gaza Strip, lashes out at Netanyahu during rally in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.

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.'

Hamas 'ready for any ceasefire plan with Israel'

A Hamas official revealed a potential ceasefire agreement with Israel, pending facilitation by Trump, and noted secretive negotiations are underway.

Gaza:

Rocket launchers placed near warehouses of int'l aid groups

IDF strikes terrorists, terror targets, near area from which rockets were launched.

IDF releases footage showing Hamas' brutal treatment of prisoners

Solitary confinement, suffocation, and prisoners thrown down stairs: New footage reveals Hamas’ abuse of Gaza prisoners.

Talks on hostage release deal:

'Cautious optimism that an agreement can be reached'

Palestinian Arab sources express cautious optimism about the chances of reaching understandings that could lead to a deal. Israeli official: An agreement within a month is not unreasonable.

IDF intercepts two rockets fired from Central Gaza

Terrorists in Gaza Strip fire two rockets towards southern Israel, triggering sirens in Ashkelon and several communities located near the border. Both rockets intercepted, no injuries reported.

IDF dismantles underground rocket site in Gaza

IDF locates tunnel shafts in Rafah, underground rocket launching site in Beit Lahia, aimed at southern Israel.

Hamas Manufacturing Headquarters leader eliminated

The IDF and ISA eliminated a Department Head in Hamas’ Manufacturing Headquarters and a Company Commander in the Zeitoun Battalion in a Hamas command and control center that previously served as the "Al-Hurriya" School in Gaza City.

Sullivan:

'Netanyahu is ready to do a deal'

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan holds a press availability in Tel Aviv concluding a visit to Israel and declares: "When I go to Doha and Cairo, my goal will be to put us in a position to close a deal this month"

Trump to TIME:

'There are ideas other than a two-state solution'

In his Man of the Year interview, US President-elect Donald Trump said that he wants to see lasting peace in the region and noted: 'Everyone is forgetting conveniently about October 7, but that was a horrible day for the world.'

UN General Assembly adopts resolution supporting UNRWA

159 countries vote in favor of UN General Assembly resolution affirming full support for the mandate of UNRWA and deploring Israel's legislation halting UNRWA's activities in Israel.

Gallant after meetings in US:

Hostage deal will lead to peace with Saudi Arabia

Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that there is an opportunity to bring home the hostages, and connected it to peace with Saudi Arabia which would 'change the face of the Middle East.'

Peace Now campaign:

'We won't die for settlements'

The far-left organization launched a campaign against Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip with a giant billboard at the entrance to Jerusalem.

IDF:

Nukhba terrorist who led Oct. 7 attack on IDF outpost eliminated

IDF eliminates Hamas terrorists Fehmi Salmi, a Nukhba company commander in Hamas' Zeitoun Battalion who led the attack on the Paga outpost, and Salah Dahham, the head of Hamas' Paragliding Unit.

IDF orders residents of central Gaza to evacuate

Gaza terror groups launch four rockets towards Israeli territory in two separate incidents, IDF orders residents of central Gaza to evacuate. 'Terror groups are launching rockets at Israel from your area.'

Study:

Jewish nation growing stronger in faith

New study by Prof. Asif Efrat reveals growing affinity towards Judaism among Israeli public. 'Jewish nation growing stronger in faith.'

Over suspected terror ties:

WCK fires 62 Palestinian Arab staff members

US-based charity World Central Kitchen dismisses dozens of Palestinian Arab staff members working in Gaza following warning from Israel that they had links to terrorist groups.

Heartbreaking eulogy:

'When Mashiach comes, come home to hug me'

Hundreds attend the funeral of fallen soldier, Sergeant Omri Cohen, who fell in Gaza, and could not hold back their tears as his brother, Yinon Yedidya, bade farewell to his older brother.

Report:

Hamas provides list of hostages it holds

According to Saudi reports, Hamas provided mediators a list of hostages it holds.

John Kirby:

'Hamas continues to be ‘the main stumbling block to a deal'

John Kirby, White House NSC spokesperson, insists that Biden administration is working on the issue, but 'there is no update on the efforts to secure a hostage release and ceasefire deal in Gaza.'

Tearful conversation fallen soldier held with his battalion Rabbi

Major Rabbi Menachem Novik recounts a heartfelt conversation with Sergeant Ido Zano, a 20-year-old combat medic who fell in Gaza, concerning challenges during the war.

President Herzog:

'There is global convergence on prioritizing a hostage deal

President Isaac Herzog hosted an emergency meeting with medical experts focusing on the dire situation and deep concern for the well-being of the hostages.

Incident in northern Gaza:

Soldiers were traveling in violation of guidelines

The Southern Command prohibits the transportation of soldiers on the battlefield during daylight hours. Three soldiers were killed when they were ambushed on the way back to Israeli territory.

New York Times:

UNRWA employees were Hamas, Islamic Jihad operatives

The New York Times confirms, based on documents confiscated by Israel, that UNRWA employees were terror operatives and equipped with weapons.

3 IDF soldiers fell in battle in Gaza

Staff Sergeant Ido Zano, Staff Sergeant Barak Daniel Halpern, and Sergeant Omri Cohen, were killed in battle in northern Gaza.

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.

Watch:

The moment Einav saw video of abducted son

Moments before the rally for the hostages in Tel Aviv, Einav Zangauker watched the video released by Hamas of her son Matan,

Trump:

'The war must end, but Israel must win'

US President-elect Donald Trump told Meet the Press that he does not believe that many of the hostages in Gaza are alive: 'I hate to say it, I think you have far fewer hostages than people think.'

Bereaved families to PM:

'No to reckless deal; yes to a responsible one'

Bereaved families of the Gvura Forum demand that Prime Minister reach a deal that preserves war achievements and enables defeat of Hamas.

Report:

Hamas beginning to show flexibility in negotiations with Israel

A senior Hamas official claims his organization has shown a willingness to be flexible on its demands in an attempt to reach a ceasefire agreement.

Initiative:

Reservists to relocate to the communities they protected

The "Reservists - Generation of Victory" movement has launched a new initiative; reserve soldiers who fought in Gaza and Lebanon will relocate to the communities they defended.

Hostages families:

'Netanyahu told us the time has ripened for a hostage deal'

Representatives of the Hostages Families Forum met with Prime Minister Netanyahu who expressed optimism for the chances of reaching a deal to free their loved ones.

Watch:

IDF concludes targeted operation in northern Gaza

Gaza Division troops dismantle underground terrorist tunnel route in the Jabaliya area in the northern Gaza Strip.

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?'

Captain Avraham Ben Pinchas fell in battle

Binyamin Regional Council announces: Captain Avraham Ben Pinchas, resident of Harasha, fell in battle in Gaza.

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.

Head of Hamas' Aerial Unit in Gaza City eliminated

IDF and Shin Bet confirm that Nidal Al-Najar, head of Hamas' Aerial Unit in Gaza City and one of the organizers of the aerial infiltration into Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, was eliminated on December 3.

IDF, ISA, eliminate terrorist who commanded Nahal Oz massacre

In joint operation, IDF and ISA eliminate a number of terrorists from Hamas' Shati Battalion, including commander of Nahal Oz massacre on October 7, and a terrorist who participated in October 7 abductions.

Brother of hostage:

'I will not celebrate my Bar Mitzvah until my brother returns'

Ziv Braslavski, brother of Rom who is being held hostage in Gaza, speaks to Arutz Sheva-Israel National News about his relationship with his brother and about the deep void he feels in his heart.

Senior terrorist in Hamas' Internal Security Forces eliminated

Osama Ghanim held a key role in implementing Hamas’ brutal methods, which included conducting harsh civilian interrogations while violating human rights.

Israeli defense purchases from US during war total $10 billion

Procurements from the US included two squadrons of F-35 and F-15 aircraft, various types of ammunition, armored vehicles, combat and protection equipment for soldiers, and more.

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.

Foreign Ministry slams Amnesty report:

Genocidal massacre was carried out by Hamas against Israelis

Israeli Foreign Ministry responds to Amnesty International report claiming Israel carrying out 'genocide' in Gaza, noting actual genocide attempt by Hamas terrorists on October 7. 'Israel is defending itself, acting fully in accordance with international law.'

Amnesty International report:

'Israel committing genocide in Gaza'

Amnesty International, which is known for its anti-Israel bias, publishes new report in which it accuses Israel of "committing genocide" against Gazans since the war began last year.

IDF Spokesman reveals:

The inhumane conditions in which murdered hostages' were kept

IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari revealed footage of the conditions in which six hostages who were murdered during the summer were held.

'You were a big brother'

Noa Argamani parts from Itay Svirsky

Noa Argamani, who was held in captivity for part of the time with Itay Svirsky, lamented his death: 'We didn't think for a moment that this is how you would return to Israel.'

What did Hamas do with Mohammed Deif's body?

According to a Palestinian Arab source in the Gaza Strip, Hamas has located the body of its military leader and buried it in a secret location so that Israel would not exhume it as well as to not break its terrorists' spirit.

IDF investigation:

Hostages whose bodies were recovered were murdered by captors

The IDF found that six hostages whose bodies were recovered in August were most probably murdered in captivity, but did not rule out the possibility that they were killed as the result of an airstrike.