Hostages in Gaza

Qatar and Egypt promote new proposal

Qatar and Egypt are promoting a proposal for the release of all hostages in one phase, without Hamas retaining control in Gaza - but with a controversial clause.

After over 10-hour debate

Cabinet approves Gaza Strip takeover

Security Cabinet approves Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan to conquer all of Gaza after more than 10 hours of debate. The IDF will take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid. The plan aims to disarm Hamas, return hostages, and ensure Israeli security in Gaza.

Heated cabinet meeting

Netanyahu: Goal is to defeat Hamas, not perpetuate it

As the Security Cabinet debates a full Gaza takeover, Netanyahu vows to defeat Hamas, while IDF Chief Zamir warns the move could endanger hostages and troops alike.

During cabinet meeting:

Hostages' families demonstrate against Gaza takeover

Some of the families of hostages and demonstrators urge the government to strike a deal with Hamas and halt the war, as the Security Cabinet weighs a full Gaza occupation.

'We're coming!': Families of hostages sail towards Gaza

Relatives of hostages set sail towards Gaza beach, calling for loved' ones release.

Former IDF general: Gaza conquest key to defeating Hamas

Full takeover of Gaza necessary to defeat Hamas, would take only a few months, former IDF General Yiftah Ron-Tal says.

Rubio:

'There will be no peace until Hamas is disbanded'

In an interview with Fox Business, Secretary of State Rubio emphasizes that while humanitarian aid is vital, global attention must also focus on freeing the 20 hostages held by Hamas and disarming the terror group.

Slain hostage's brother

'We saw a video, a sign of life from the dead'

Danny Elgarat, whose brother Itzik was kidnapped to Gaza and murdered by Hamas terrorists, shared that the IDF succeeded in locating a message from his brother from the period before his death in captivity.

Herzog:

'We urge the world not to fall for Hamas’s lies'

In meeting with President Alar Karis of Estonia, President Herzog contrasts the real images of starved Israeli hostages with the false claims Israel is starving Gazans.

Evil hostage videos:

Why Israel must stand up to international criticism

Is Israel supposed to listen to the criticism of media outlets that uncritically regurgitate all Hamas propaganda and refuse to treat the reality of starving hostages as seriously as their own wishes for proof of starving Gazans that still does not exist? Opinion.

Holocaust survivors:

Latest hostage videos recall our own condition 80 years ago

Holocaust survivors compare recent hostage videos to Nazi-era atrocities, describing the emaciated hostages as 'nearly Muselmänner.' Images 'take me back to the hell, the hunger, the fear,' Holocaust survivor says.

State Department:

'US focused on hostages, not speculating on Gaza capture'

US State Dept. spokesperson Tammy Bruce declines to comment on reports of Israeli plans to capture Gaza, saying the US remains focused on freeing hostages and ensuring Hamas never regains control.

Sa’ar at UN:

'Hostages must be freed - the world must hold Hamas accountable'

Foreign Minister Sa'ar speaks at the UN Security Council, slams the UN and media for their bias, and accuses Hamas of "pure evil" and starvation tactics.

Trump:

'US focused on Gaza aid, Israel will decide on control of Gaza'

President Trump says the US is focused on delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and stresses that any decision on reoccupying the region is “up to Israel.” He condemns Hamas-released video of hostage Evyatar David, calling it “horrible.”

Hostage's brother plea to UNSC

'Don't let the hostages die'

Ilay David, the brother of Evyatar David, addresses UN Security Council and demands and end to the UN's silence on the plight of the hostages before it is too late.

Sa'ar at UN

'Satanic Hamas must be pressured, not given free gifts'

Ahead of UN Security Council session on the hostages, Israel's Foreign Minister notes the starvation of the hostages seen in recent Hamas videos, says states that pressure Israel and seek to recognize Palestine only prolong the war.

Hostage's wife:

'If I didn't have a child, I would go into Gaza myself'

Rivka Bohbot criticizes PM Netanyahu’s intention to expand operations in Gaza, warning it endangers the hostages. “Military force will only bring back bodies,” she said, urging a deal to secure their release.

Report:

British flyovers attempt to locate hostages in Gaza

The Times reports that British Air Force reconnaissance planes are flying over Gaza, with the aim of collecting intelligence and assisting Israel in locating hostages.

Herzog

'World must not talk to Hamas until hostages are released'

Israeli President welcomed in Riga by Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, urges action to free the remaining hostages in Gaza.

Hostage's father:

We've added a name to our son who is held hostage in Gaza

Haggai Angrest said the name Shachar was added to his son’s name with Rabbi Abuhatzeira’s blessing and urged the public to pray for the swift return of 'Matan Shachar ben Anat.'

Yair Lapid

This is what starvation looks like

Israeli opposition leader reacts to shocking videos of hostages published by Hamas. 'Hamas is intentionally starving Israeli hostages.'

Ritchie Torres

Hamas published hostage videos knowing world wouldn't care

Democratic Congressman slams selective outrage from Israel's critics who are silent following Hamas' publication of a starved hostage being forced to dig his own grave.

Ex-NYT staffer

New York Times burying of hostage images 'heartless'

Former NYT Managing Director of Creative Services, who worked at the paper for 35 years, slams paper for its "slanted" coverage of the Hamas video of hostage Evyatar David to highlight a small demonstration in Tel Aviv rather than Hamas' human rights abuses.

Defense Minister:

'IDF must carry out politicians' orders'

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated during his visit to Gaza that he will ensure the IDF carries out all decisions by the Cabinet regarding the war.

PM and Chief of Staff clash over conquest of Gaza

The Prime Minister is expected to propose a plan for conquering the Gaza Strip, defeating Hamas, and returning the hostages - despite opposition from Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

Giulio Meotti:

The media's shameful modesty over skeletal Israeli hostages

Only the New York Post featured Evyatar as its cover story. We no longer hate Jews, we hate the collective Jew, those Zionists, so we can ignore Evyatar David. Opinion.

Brother of Hostage:

Hamas is orchestrating cruel & twisted 'hunger games'

Ilay, brother of hostage Evyatar David, spoke with Arutz Sheva - Israel National News about the recent Hamas video of his brother in captivity.

Campaign in Times Square:

'This is what real hunger looks like'

The Consulate General of Israel in New York launches a digital billboard campaign in Times Square to raise awareness of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, emphasizing the urgency of his release.

Hostage Families Forum

Evyatar David, Rom Braslavski lose about 40% of body weight

A new medical report from the Health Team of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum reveals following examination of recently released hostage videos that the hostages depicted have lost a dangerous amount of weight.

'Lives in imminent danger'

Herzog demands Red Cross provide assistance to hostages

Israeli President speaks with Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric following release of videos showing hostages enduring severe starvation.

Rothman accuses media of promoting Hamas starvation campaign

MK Simcha Rothman reminds Knesset Channel host that the media refused to publish hostage videos at the start of the war and wondered: "What has changed?"

Herzog in Vilnius:

Hostages are victims of crimes against humanity

President Herzog urges global action from Vilnius, exposing dire hostage conditions in Gaza and accusing the UN of failing to deliver Israeli-supplied aid.

Hostage's father:

'Increase pressure, now is not the time to give in to Hamas'

Tzvika Mor, whose son is held captive in Gaza, urges the Israeli government to decisively defeat Hamas and take full control of Gaza, 'victory, not surrender, is the only way to secure the release of hostages.'

Sa'ar slams global media silence on hostage torture

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar demands urgent international action on the Gaza hostage crisis, condemns Hamas propaganda tactics, and criticizes global media silence.

MK blocks Gaza aid trucks at Allenby Crossing in protest

MK Yitzhak Kroizer joins Allenby Crossing protest against humanitarian aid to Hamas: 'Giving Hamas air to breathe while harming the hostages.'

'Utterly disgusting'

Chikli slams Piers Morgan over hostage video remarks

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli rebukes British journalist Piers Morgan for comparing belief in Hamas hostage videos to skepticism of Gaza casualty figures.

German Chancellor:

Hostage footage shows Hamas brutality, Israel must not mirror it

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemns Hamas for torturing Israeli hostages and using Gazans as shields. Citing disturbing footage of Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, Merz calls for a ceasefire conditioned on the hostages' release.

David Friedman:

'NY Times pushed false Gaza story, ignores emaciated hostages'

Former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman accuses the New York Times of publishing false claims against Israel while ignoring real evidence of Israeli hostages' suffering in Gaza.

Father of Evyatar David:

'He’s silent, emaciated, unrecognizable'

Avishai David, father of hostage Evyatar David, describes the latest images of his son in captivity: "He's silent, terrifyingly thin, disconnected from the world."

‘Disgusting hypocrites’

Sky News host slams anti-Israel march for ignoring hostage

Watch: Sky News Australia's Rowan Dean condemns anti-Israel marchers in Sydney, accusing them of siding with Hamas while hostage Evyatar David suffers and calling for them to “hang their heads in shame” over their hypocrisy.

Hamas says it's ready to respond to Red Cross demands on hostages

Terror group's spokesman says it will finally allow the Red Cross to visit and provide food to the hostages 2 years after their kidnappings if the Gaza humanitarian crossings are opened.

Hostage families

'Hamas can't hide its evil, each hostage death is on their hands'

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters responds to Hamas claim it will finally allow the Red Cross to deliver food to hostages 2 years after they were kidnapped.

Netanyahu

'Hamas wants to break us - We will eliminate them'

The Prime Minister responds harshly to the hostage videos released by the murderous terror organization: “They are starving them like the Nazis starved the Jews.”

The shocking video of hostage Rom Braslavski

The family has approved the publication of videos distributed by the Hamas terrorist organization, saying: "A real nightmare, we cry with him."

Netanyahu to Red Cross

'Images of hostages reminiscent of Nazi crimes'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded that the Red Cross ensure that food is provided to the hostages in Gaza and that they receive immediate medical treatment.

David Lammy

'Every hostage must be released unconditionally'

British Foreign Secretary calls recent Hamas and Islamic Jihad hostage propaganda 'sickening,' does not walk back Starmer's threat to recognize 'Palestine' even while Hamas remains in power.

Macron

Hostage videos show Hamas's abject cruelty, limitless inhumanity'

Despite acknowledging the evil of Hamas and the plight of the hostages in recent psychological warfare videos, the French President refuses to back down from his plan to recognize a 'State of Palestine' next month.

French FM:

Hostage videos 'unbearable,' Hamas must be disarmed

French FM Jean-Noel Barrot condemns Hamas hostage videos as “despicable” and calls for the group’s disarmament. His remarks come as backlash grows over President Macron’s announcement that France will recognize a Palestinian state in September.

Smotrich:

'One response - total destruction!'

Smotrich calls Hamas terrorists "Nazis who abuse with inhuman cruelty", says the video of hostage Evyatar David aims to break the spirit of the people - but Israel will not surrender.

Netanyahu:

'Hamas committing Nazi-style abuse against hostages'

Netanyahu speaks with the families of hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David after distressing videos of them, condemns Hamas’s cruelty and reaffirms Israel's ongoing efforts to secure the hostages' release.

'Stupidest take yet'

Piers Morgan under fire over post on Hamas

Piers Morgan draws heavy criticism after suggesting that pro-Israel voices were inconsistent for trusting Hamas hostage videos while rejecting uncorroborated Gaza casualty figures. Users slam the post, calling it “cruel” and “stupid”.

Released Hostage:

'I chose to fast in the tunnels on Tisha B'Av'

At a Tisha B’Av night event in Tel Aviv, former hostage Agam Berger delivered a powerful speech, recounting her experience in captivity and reflecting on the resilience of the Jewish people throughout history.

Pres. Herzog to world leaders:

Demand aid reach civilians - not terrorists

President Isaac Herzog condemns Hamas’ treatment of hostages, urges world leaders to demand hostages’ release and stop aid from reaching terrorists. 'This is a test of humanity.'

Terrorist's hand reveals depth of Hamas' lies

Hamas claims its terrorists are malnourished just like the hostages - but a single moment in a video released by the terror group itself proves otherwise.

Released Hostage:

'Hamas has plenty of food a few meters away'

Released hostage Tal Shoham explains exactly how much food Hamas has - and how they still refuse to share any with the hostages.

President Herzog at Eicha:

'Our hearts burn with pain for the hostages'

Attending Tisha B’Av reading of Eicha, President Isaac Herzog refers to disturbing video of hostage Evyatar David, calls on Israelis to fast and pray for the captives’ safe return. 'They are everyone's sons.'

Captivity survivor:

'There's food beyond that door - I smelled it'

Hamas captivity survivor Omer Wenkert speaks at demonstration, says video of Evyatar David brings him back to Hamas' tunnels. 'I know they have food there beyond the door, I used to smell it every day while I was getting two handfuls of rice a day.'

Israel warns:

Hostage deal unlikely, Hamas pushing for escalation

Israel is losing hope for a hostage deal as Hamas reportedly withdraws from talks and leaders relocate to Turkey. “The talks are in the process of collapsing,” says a source.

Sister of hostage:

'Evyatar’s condition hit me like a million punches'

After Hamas releases video of hostage Evyatar David in poor condition, his sister pleads for privacy. Former hostage Omer Wenkert says the video shows the harsh reality of Hamas captivity: “I lost 37 kilos in captivity, I didn’t see my captors lose even one.”

Father of Rom Braslavski:

'He’s broken, he’s dying - no one is talking to us'

Father of hostage Rom Braslavski expresses anguish after disturbing new footage of his son is released.