Hostages in Gaza

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.

Freed hostage thanks Trump, pushes for Gaza deal

Omer Shem Tov, freed from Hamas captivity, praised President Trump at a Tel Aviv rally, urging swift action on the Gaza deal to rescue the remaining 48 hostages.

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.

IDF holds high-level assessment ahead of 1st phase of Trump plan

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir orders heightened readiness for first phase of US President Donald Trump’s hostage release plan, prioritizing troop safety and directing all capabilities to the Southern Command.

Netanyahu:

We are preparing for the immediate release of all hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issues unusual late-night statement responding to US President Donald Trump's demand that Israel immediately cease bombing Gaza.

Trump plan:

Hamas willing to free hostages, but seeks talks on the rest

Hamas says it agrees in principle to Trump’s Gaza plan. Hamas official Abu Marzouq says 72-hour hostage handover is unrealistic and full implementation requires detailed negotiations.

On Yom Kippur eve:

Israeli Ambassador prays for hostages at UN General Assembly

For the first time in history: On the eve of Yom Kippur, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon prayed for hostages' release at the UN General Assembly. Watch.

This chapter of Psalms helped one hostage survive Hamas captivity

Released hostage Omar Shem-Tov says faith sustained him during 130 days in captivity, asks everyone to send positive energy to the remaining hostages, speak to them daily. 'I think the prayers and the energy can be felt.'

Senior Analyst:

'Ron Dermer deserves the Israel Prize, not delegitimization'

Senior analyst Amit Segal denounced the protests against Minister Ron Dermer, one of the key figures in the hostage negotiations, who has recently announced his resignation.

Captivity survivor Keith Siegel:

'I want people to know the atrocities'

Held hostage by Hamas for 484 days, Keith Siegel now fights for those still captive. In an interview with WCCO Minnesota, he says: “I’m alive. I’m standing. It’s proof that it can be done.”

Released hostage:

'Every day as a hostage was a never-ending Yom Kippur'

Elie Cohen, who was released from Hamas captivity after 505 days, talks about Yom Kippur, the mental anguish he endured as a hostage, and the hope for the return of all the hostages who remain in Gaza.

Watch:

Prayer for hostages' return at Western Wall with survivors

Over 100,000 worshippers, including captivity survivors, participate in the central Selichot prayer event at the Western Wall, offering prayers for the safety of soldiers and the return of hostages.

Terrorist posed as hostage to lure IDF soldiers

IDF forces in Gaza identified an individual with a white flag calling for help and halted their operations out of concern that he might be a kidnapped Israeli. After extensive searches, it was revealed that the individual was not a hostage Israeli, but a terrorist.

Chief Rabbis:

Pray for the release of the hostages

Chief Rabbis of Israel publish a letter to rabbis around Israel calling on them to pray for our 48 brothers and sisters who are held hostage in Gaza.

Macron:

'Hamas must accept Trump’s deal and free all hostages'

France and Italy back Trump’s Gaza peace plan, urging Hamas to release hostages and disarm. PM Meloni says the proposal could end hostilities and ensure humanitarian access.

Joining the government?

Gantz: We won’t let petty politics derail the plan

Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz welcomes President Trump’s plan, calling for the return of hostages, maintaining security, and a strategic overhaul in Gaza.

Witkoff:

'Hamas’s initial response sounds very positive'

Trump’s Middle East envoy expresses optimism that the President’s plan for Gaza can be implemented: I'm very optimistic. I've met people on both sides and this needs to end.

President Herzog:

'Trump’s Gaza proposal offers real hope'

President Herzog endorses Trump’s Gaza peace plan, calling it a path to ending the war, freeing hostages, and forging a new regional partnership.

Support for Trump’s plan

Hostage families: This is an evening of hope

Hostage families from the Tikva Forum and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters welcome statements by Trump and Netanyahu, emphasize the need to defeat Hamas, and call for the release of all hostages.

Smotrich's boundaries for the Netanyahu-Trump summit

Finance Minister Smotrich presents six boundaries ahead of the White House meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.

'Gaps have been narrowed'

Netanyahu discusses plan to end war with Trump’s envoys

Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrive at Netanyahu’s New York hotel for second round of talks. Israeli official: “There’s a positive atmosphere toward reaching an agreement.” Netanyahu-Trump meeting scheduled for 11:00 a.m. New York time on Monday.

Hostage families to Trump:

'Only you can end this ordeal'

Families of 48 hostages held by Hamas thank President Trump for his UN remarks and urge him to finalize a deal to end the war and bring their loved ones home ahead of his meeting with Netanyahu.

Watch:

Captivity survivor sings Psalm 121

Shortly after the terrorist who commanded the attack on the shelter from which he was abducted was eliminated, Eliya Cohen sang the moving Psalm with Israeli singer Yonatan Razel.

Yehoshua Shani to Netanyahu:

'Don't compromise or yield to Trump'

Gevura Forum chairman Yehoshua Shani calls on Prime Minister Netanyahu not to yield to American pressure for a deal that would harm Israel's interests.

Hostage's aunt:

'Being cautiously optimistic'

Chana Cohen, aunt of Inbar Hyman, murdered in Hamas captivity, shared her difficult feelings on PM's speech and Trump's plan, 'Netanyahu did not even mention their names at the UN.'

At the Western Wall

President Herzog participates in Selichot prayers

President Herzog joins Selichot prayers at the Western Wall and meets with IDF lookouts who survived captivity.

New Details:

All hostages in exchange for 100 to 200 life-sentence prisoners

A new report has expanded on President Trump's proposed 21-point plan to end the war in Gaza.

Trump’s Gaza peace plan:

No role for Hamas, no timeline for IDF exit

CNN report sheds more light on Trump’s 21-point Gaza peace plan, says it calls for hostage release in 48 hours for phased IDF pullout.

Hostage families to Netanyahu:

'Words without action are meaningless'

Hostage families denounce Netanyahu’s UN speech, accusing him of endangering captives and ignoring murdered hostages. They urge immediate action and support President Trump’s call to end the war.

'One moment of light'

Hostage survivor Emily Damari participates in Selichot prayers

Heroic hostage survivor Emily Damari, who endured 471 days in Hamas captivity, shared with 50,000 worshippers at the Western Wall how hearing Selichot prayers during her imprisonment gave her hope.

Trump:

'I will not allow Israel to annex Judea and Samaria'

President Trump says he firmly opposes Israeli annexation of Judea and Samaria, expresses hope for hostage release deal after having a "very good" conversation with Netanyahu.

Report: Trump to unveil Gaza ceasefire outline with Arab leaders

President Trump introduced Arab and Muslim leaders to a Gaza ceasefire and post-Hamas governance outline, with reports of initial Arab support, but Hamas yet to respond.

Alon Ohel's parents

'We expect PM to return from US with news we all wait for'

The parents of hostage Alon Ohel responded to the psychological propaganda video released by the Hamas terrorist organization just before the Rosh Hashanah holiday.

Report:

New proposal includes hostage release, US guarantees

A new proposal for a Gaza truce includes the release of Israeli hostages, US-backed guarantees for a two-month ceasefire, and humanitarian aid, but neither side has responded yet.

Alon Ohel's family:

'He is losing his vision, he looks terrified'

Family of hostage Alon Ohel, held hostage in Gaza for 717 days, comments on the new video released by Hamas which shows his declining health.

Right before Rosh Hashanah

Hamas publishes new video of hostage Alon Ohel

About two weeks after he was first seen in a video with Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Hamas has released a new video of the hostage Alon Ohel.

Report:

Hamas offers immediate release half of the hostages to Trump

Terror group drafts letter to the US government offering a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of half of the 48 hostages, but its leaders have yet to sign it.

Macron:

No embassy in 'Palestine' until hostages freed

French President says his country’s recognition of a Palestinian state won't include an embassy opening until Hamas frees hostages.

Long Island dedicates park to fallen hostage Omer Neutra

Plainview, NY dedicates a park to Omer Neutra, an American-Israeli soldier from the town who was murdered on October 7 and whose body is being held in Gaza.

Huckabee's New Year's message:

'I long for the moment I can take off this yellow ribbon'

U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee released a video message for Rosh Hashanah with his prayers for the return of the hostages - 'not a few, but all of them.'

Daughter of former hostage:

'It was difficult, but I coped really well'

Bar, daughter of Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Lia, cousin of Emily Damari, talk to Avri Gilad about their personal struggles.

Watch:

Thousands pray for the hostages at the Western Wall

Thousands gather at the Western Wall for Selichot service, praying for the safe return of hostages and offering support to their families and to captivity survivors.

Emily Damari reveals:

Hamas leader willing to be exiled as part of deal

Former hostage Emily Damari tells Mosab Hassan Yousef: 'Hamas leader Izz al-Din al-Haddad told us he is willing to leave leadership, leave Gaza, in exchange for safe passage.' Watch.

Returning to role as mediator?

Qatar's new demand from Israel

Qatar demanding Israel apologize for strike on Hamas, as precondition for renewing role as mediator in ceasefire talks.

Trump:

'Very close to 40 of the hostages are deceased'

U.S. President Donald Trump again claimed that more hostages than reported are no longer alive. Israeli sources have not commented on the remarks.

Trump:

'What happened on October 7th was genocide at the highest level’

Trump calls October 7th “genocide at the highest level” after UN accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza. On the hostages who are still being held by Hamas: We have probably 20 that are living. It's a nasty situation.

Back to the front lines

Captivity survivor Edan Alexander: I am rejoining the IDF

Former hostage Edan Alexander gives his first public remarks. He thanks his supporters, calls for the release of remaining hostages, and announces his plan to rejoin the IDF.

Captivity survivor Naama Levy: I am here to be their voice

Captivity survivor Naama Levy speaks at HostageAid Event in New York, recounts her horrific ordeal and implores diplomats at the UN to act immediately to save those still held hostage.

Trump in UK:

I disagree with Starmer on Palestinian statehood

During a joint press conference, Trump and Starmer emphasized the urgent release of hostages in Gaza, condemned Hamas, and discussed a roadmap toward peace and a Palestinian state.

Avigdor Kahalani:

'I don't care about international pressure, I care about Israel'

Brig. Gen. (res.) Avigdor Kahalani says in response to Western countries that criticize Israel that 'they’ve already lost their countries' and his concern is his children and grandchildren.

Ex-terrorist:

I gave info on hostages, the Shin Bet ignored me

Mohammad Massad, ex-PLO member turned activist, claims he delivered detailed hostage locations from Gaza to Shin Bet, but officials ignored his messages.

Brothers of hostages call on UN to demand Hamas release captives

Ilay David and Liran Berman delivered emotional video statements urging the UN and global powers to pressure Hamas and ensure the survival and release of hostages in Gaza.

Emily Damari: The hand gesture that became a symbol

Emily Damari described the days she spent in Hamas captivity and said, "I returned from captivity smiling because I knew our enemies were watching us. It was important for me to project a smile."

Source: Living hostages being moved from place to place

Living hostages at risk due to constant movement, Hamas source tells Al Jazeera.

Avigdor Kahalani:

'Hamas will not compromise until we step on them'

Brig. Gen. (res.) Avigdor Kahalani urges commanders to press on with the capture of Gaza City. 'Hamas only understands only the language of force.'

Amb. Akunis:

Both Qatar and Hamas responsible for safety of hostages

Israeli Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis urges continued pressure on Qatar and Hamas to release all 48 hostages still held in Gaza, promises Israel 'will never apologize for defending the State of Israel and the Jewish people.'

Hamas officials signal willingness to resume hostage talks

Despite the elimination attempt in Qatar and the IDF’s expanded operations in Gaza, the terror group indicates it may return to negotiations over a hostage deal.

Trump

'Hamas in big trouble if they use hostages as human shields'

US President tells reporters: I hear Hamas is trying to use the old human shield deal, and if they do that, they're going to be in big trouble.'

Defense Minister:

'If Hamas doesn't release the hostages, Gaza will be destroyed'

Defense Minister Katz visited the Gaza Strip and spoke with the troops taking the city of Gaza.