Hostages in Gaza

Hamas publishes video of hostage Evyatar David

Hamas publishes video with a sign of life of hostage Evyatar David

Steve Witkoff at Western Wall:

'I pray for the hostages and an end to the war'

During a diplomatic visit to Israel, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff visited the Western Wall ahead of Tisha B’Av, where he offered a personal prayer, placed a note in the Wall, and voiced support for Israel and the hostages.

Rubio

'Nations that recognize Palestine can't even say where it is'

US Secretary of State criticizes France, UK, and Canada for rewarding Hamas terror by recognizing a Palestinian state while Hamas still holds hostages, notes Hamas has less reason to release the hostages.

Hostage’s mother to gov't:

'Defeat Hamas or bring everyone back'

Ditza Or, mother of Avinatan who is being held captive in Gaza, addresses National Vision Conference: Either defeat Hamas or bring everyone back.

Sign of life from hostage Rom Braslavski

The Islamic Jihad terror organization published footage of the Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski, claiming that it was filmed before contact with his captors was lost.

Hostage Families Forum

'No justification for partial, selective deal'

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters states in response to reports US, Israel are considering a new deal that only a deal to free all of the remaining 50 hostages is acceptable. 'Time is running out.'

White House

Trump feels that France, UK, & Canada's decision rewards Hamas

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says the President opposes the recognition of 'Palestine' because it is 'rewarding Hamas at a time where Hamas is the true impediment to a ceasefire and to the release of all of the hostages.'

The UK and France are killing the hostages

Why would Hamas possibly give up the remaining hostages or show any flexibility in negotiations if it will receive official recognition from major Western powers without having to do anything? Opinion.

Starmer dismisses ex-hostage's criticism of Palestine recognition

British PM rejects criticism from captivity survivor Emily Damari of his threat to recognize Palestine while Hamas remains in power and continues to hold hostages.

Trump:

Humanitarian crisis will end when Hamas surrenders

In Truth Social post, US President says hostage release is key to ending Gaza crisis.

Amid Gaza crisis

White House envoy Steve Witkoff heads to Israel

White House envoy Steve Witkoff leaves for Israel for talks on the deepening Gaza crisis and stalled ceasefire negotiations. His visit includes meetings with Israeli leaders and a possible trip to Gaza to assess humanitarian conditions firsthand.

Hostage families welcome call for Hamas to relinquish Gaza

Hostages and Missing Families Forum praises a rare Arab League call for Hamas to disarm and step down from Gaza, calling it vital progress. The group urges world powers to demand hostage releases and hold Hamas accountable for obstructing peace.

Israel's message to Hamas:

Make a deal soon, or we will start annexing territory in Gaza

Annexation of Gaza buffer zone, martial law, and siege tactics among options if Hamas refuses to agree to deal in coming days, senior official warns.

Agam's message six months after being released from captivity

Six months after her release, Berger shares emotional message urging unity to redeem captives. 'You returned the tune to my life.'

Hostages Families:

Recognizing Palestinian state rewards Hamas, not peace

British hostage families urge UK to halt recognition plan until all captives are freed, warning it may embolden Hamas and delay their release.

Nir Oz

Gadi Mozes, captivity survivor, lays slain partner to rest

Katz, partner of freed hostage Gadi Mozes, was reburied in Nir Oz after temporary burial; Mozes vows to help rebuild community and fight for release of remaining captives.

Minister Amichai Eliyahu

'The hostages matter, but only victory will bring them back'

Heritage Minister responds in interview with Arutz Sheva to the criticism of his call to redefine the remaining hostages as "prisoners of war."

'Violence earns legitimacy'

Captivity survivor slams UK plan to recognize Palestinian state

Emily Damari warns that UK recognition of Palestinian statehood while Hamas controls Gaza may legitimize terror and obstruct efforts for long-term peace.

Amichai Eliyahu:

Hostages are POWs, Gaza will be Jewish after Hamas defeat

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu says Israel shouldn't address Gaza hunger during wartime, sovereignty will bring security.

Released hostage:

Arbel Yehud speaks about the ongoing fears and pain

Six months after her release from Hamas captivity, Arbel Yehud shares the emotional pain of leaving her partner behind, calls on Israeli leaders to take bold action to bring the remaining hostages home.

Netanyahu to hostage families

'There's 1 big obstacle - Hamas'

PM releases video addressing the families of the remaining hostages in which he blames Hamas for their continued captivity. 'Since the return of the delegation from Qatar, we have not stopped trying.'

Emotional gesture:

Philipino hostage survivor names his newborn daughter Yisraela

Jimmy Pacheco, Philipino worker taken hostage from Kibbutz Nir Oz and released from Hamas captivity, names his fourth daughter Yisraela, as a tribute to Israel.

Trump:

I told Bibi to fight Hamas ‘a different way’

US President tells reporters Hamas was unwilling to negotiate and used hostages as human shields, urging Israel to shift tactics in ongoing fight.

Defense Min.:

If Hamas won't release hostages, gates of hell will open on Gaza

Defense Minister Israel Katz warns 'gates of hell' will open on Gaza if hostages aren't released, stresses IDF's superhuman efforts to protect Gaza civilians.

Ofer's unimaginable victory:

From Hamas' tunnels to the Champs-Élysées on a bicycle

Ofer Calderon, held by Hamas for 484 days, joins Israel-Premier Tech at the Tour de France's final stage in Paris, fulfilling a promise made during his captivity and calling for the return of all hostages.

Hostage's parents urge one-phase deal to bring all hostages home

'No more delays, no more partial deals': New Yorkers rally with hostage families in Central Park to 'bring everyone home.'

Trump

'I know what I'd do in Gaza, Israel has to make a decision'

US President says America gave $60 million to provide food to Gaza, but no other nation contributed to the effort, Hamas has less reason to negotiate with fewer hostages in its grasp.

Report: Hamas preparing for hostage rescue operations

Saudi report says Hamas on high alert due to concerns of cooperation on potential hostage rescue operations.

'Treated like animals'

Emily Damari exposes Hamas tunnel torture

Emily Damari, freed from Hamas, shares her 471-day ordeal: tiny cages in fetid tunnels, severe injuries, and constant fear. She details her defiance against captors and pleads for the release of 50 remaining hostages, including her best friends Gali and Ziv Berman.

Sa'ar to Canadian FM:

'Diplomatic pressure aids Hamas, not peace'

FM Sa'ar tells Canadian counterpart Israel accepted ceasefire and hostage deal, but Hamas refused. He warns "strong diplomatic attacks" and "unilateral steps by France" embolden Hamas and undermine peace efforts.

Rubio to families:

'100% committed to achieving a hostage deal'

Families of Gaza hostages meet with US Secretary Rubio, urging immediate action for a deal to bring their loved ones home, express trust in the administration to secure a comprehensive agreement.

Netanyahu:

Hamas is obstacle, considering alternatives for hostages' release

PM Netanyahu: Together with our allies, we are considering alternative options for bringing the hostages home and ending Hamas rule.

Netanyahu

Hamas is making a big mistake

PM speaks at the state memorial ceremony for Ze'ev Jabotinsky at Mount Herzl and says: 'If Hamas perceives our willingness to reach a deal as weakness, as an opportunity to dictate surrender terms that would endanger the State of Israel — they are making a big mistake.'

Benny Gantz:

Hamas uses international pressure as negotiation leverage

Gantz warns international pressure on Israel aids Hamas, undermines hostage deal prospects; calls for unified stance against terrorists.

After Hamas' response:

Israeli negotiation team to return from Doha

Israeli delegation to return from Doha for consultations after Hamas responds to latest deal; PMO acknowledges mediator efforts.

Hamas announces:

'We have delivered our response to the mediators'

Hamas officially submits its response to the ceasefire proposal. An Israeli official says the latest reply shows improvement. Israel is reviewing it, and key diplomatic talks are set to take place Thursday in Sardinia between US, Israeli, and Qatari officials.

Herzog

Hamas is hijacking aid, refusing hostage release and ceasefire

After visiting Gaza, Israeli President says: 'What is absolutely clear is that the true obstacle to humanitarian relief is Hamas.'

One year later:

Hostages' families return to Capitol Hill, call for swift action

Marking one year since Netanyahu's address to Congress, relatives of captives held in Gaza urge the US and Israel to finalize an agreement before more lives are lost.

Mediators reject Hamas' response to ceasefire offer

Mediators demand that the terrorist organization show immediate and significant flexibility to advance the deal.

Israeli source:

Hamas expected to respond to ceasefire proposal with conditions

Hamas likely to accept offer for ceasefire deal, while raising demands on IDF deployment, humanitarian aid, necessitating further negotiations.

Hostage's family seeks answers after PIJ 'lost contact'

The family of Rom Braslavski is demanding answers from the government after the Islamic Jihad terror group claimed that contact with him and his captors had been severed.

After Five Months:

Avraham Mengistu released from hospital

Mengistu had been hospitalized at Ichilov Hospital since being released from Hamas captivity where he was held for over a decade.

Real-life Wonder Woman

Hamas captivity survivors meet actress Gal Gadot

Wonder Woman actress engages in emotional conversation with Doron Steinbrecher, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Moran Stella Yanai, and Ilana Gritzewsky.

White House:

'Trump prioritizing hostage release in Gaza'

President Trump is working to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages, says White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, while emphasizing Trump's desire to end the violence.

Herzog to Jewish delegation:

'We must scream for a deal'

President Herzog hosts a US Jewish delegation alongside hostage Alon Ohel’s family, urging intensified global efforts to secure the release of 50 Israelis held by Hamas. Alon’s mother: “All of Israel feels like we’ve been taken hostage.”

Hostage's uncle to MK:

'Stop the dangerous deal for ten hostages'

Shimon Or, uncle of kidnapped soldier Avinatan Or, urges MK Yuli Edelstein to block a partial hostage deal, warning it could endanger many IDF soldiers. “This deal is more dangerous than the war itself,” he says.

Minister Strock:

Minister Strock causes outrage in call to expand combat operation

Minister Orit Strock says Israel cannot win the war while avoiding areas where hostages are held, calling for decisive action in all parts of Gaza; Hostages Forum accuses her of “sacrificing values and lives.”

Take control of Gaza:

Chief of Staff suggests new combat plan for Gaza

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir's new combat plan proposes broader control over areas of Gaza if there is a further delay in negotiations for the release of the hostages.

Boehler to Hamas:

'Take the deal and end the conflict'

US Envoy Adam Boehler urges Hamas to accept Israel's latest hostage deal, warning it's the best offer they'll get and hinting at Israeli military action if talks fail.

Israeli officials estimate:

'Breakthrough for hostage deal in coming days'

Israeli officials say breakthrough in hostage deal possible within days following new IDF deployment proposal.

Mother of Hostage:

'Hamas is not naive, they are trying to get what they want'

Ruchama Bohbot, mother of hostage Elkana, said the impasse in hostage negotiations is not due to Israeli politics but Hamas demands.

Israeli estimate

Hostage deal could be reached in coming week

Israeli official says a significant obstacle in the hostage deal talks has been overcome, but cautions that Hamas often creates new demands when a deal is in sight.

Hostage families rally:

'50 worlds await - one deal can save'

Families of hostages rally near the Gaza border, urging the government to seize a fleeting opportunity for an agreement: "50 worlds, 48 families, one time-bound deal."

Demonstration near US Embassy: 'This is the time'

'US holds the key to tipping the balance - to influencing both Israel and Hamas to close the deal and bring the hostages home,' hostage Itay Chen's father Ruby says.

Captivity survivor Arbel Yehud:

'Physically, I’m back - but I’m still there'

Arbel Yehud, held captive in Gaza for 482 days, speaks to Channel 12 News about fear, memory, disappointment with leaders, and her tireless campaign to free her boyfriend, Ariel Cunio.

Hostage deal talks:

Israel mulling delegation of senior officials to Doha

Israel may send another delegation to Doha for ceasefire and hostage talks. Both Israel and Hamas are weighing new proposals, with key issues like troop deployment and prisoner releases still unresolved.

Diplomatic source:

'Hamas hindering hostage deal progress'

Senior Israeli diplomatic source says significant progress made in hostage deal efforts, but Hamas continues to create obstacles.

Freed hostage's account:

'No human should live like that'

In an interview with CNN, released hostage Or Levy recounts 491 days of brutal captivity, the agony of losing his wife, and the power of focusing on his son for survival.

Boehler:

'Hamas's hard-headedness blocks Gaza breakthrough'

Adam Boehler, President Trump's Envoy for Hostage Response, expresses optimism at the Aspen Security Forum regarding a Gaza hostage deal, stating it's "closer than it's been."

Edan Alexander returns to site where Trump prayed for his release

About a year after the US President and his parents prayed together at the Rebbe’s Ohel, former hostage Edan Alexander returns to the site.