Hostages in Gaza

Freed hostages Sasha and Sapir announce engagement

Former Hamas hostages Sasha Troufanov and Sapir Cohen, both abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during October 7 massacre, announce their engagement.

Keith Siegel:

'My Jewish identity increased during captivity'

Captivity survivor Keith Siegel says to Arutz Sheva: 'I drew strength from the memory of the Holocaust, the survival of the Jewish people; how we endured, built our country and keep it thriving'

Tearful Testimony:

Keith Siegel recounts the horrors he witnessed to the Knesset

Released hostage Keith Seigel participated in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee discussion and tearfully shared the ordeals faced by the hostages in Gaza.

'I went through hell'

Captivity survivor recounts sexual abuse

At the launch of a report on Hamas atrocities, survivor Ilana Gritzewsky recounted sexual violence in captivity and urged Israeli leaders to act now to bring all hostages home.

Israel's Demands:

'Hamas disbanded, its leaders exiled, and Gaza demilitarized'

A senior political source reviewed the meeting between Netanyahu and Trump last night and expressed high hopes for a hostage deal in the near future.

Hostages' families protest in Washington during Netanyahu visit

Families of the hostages spoke with Arutz Sheva in Washington DC to share their hopes and urgent requests for Netanyahu and Trump to finalize a deal that will see the recovery of the remaining hostages.

Mother of hostage:

'Those not included in the deal will stay underground'

Ditza Or, mother of Hamas hostage Avinatan Or, voices concern over emerging deal: “They’re giving breathing room to a defeated entity. If we surrender, not everyone will return.”

Arab source: Agreement with Hamas 'a matter of days'

Palestinian Arab source involved in ceasefire-prisoner swap negotiations predicts agreement between Israel and Hamas could be signed soon, due to direct involvement from US President Donald Trump.

Central Park:

Independence Day weekend rally calls for hostage deal

On Fourth of July weekend, New Yorkers rally in Central Park, demanding freedom for 50 hostages, including Americans Omer Neutra and Itay Chen.

First round of Qatar ceasefire talks ends with no breakthrough

Indirect ceasefire and hostage release talks between Israel and Hamas in Qatar end without a breakthrough. Palestinian Arab sources claim the Israeli delegation lacks sufficient authority for an agreement.

Trump:

'Good chance' for deal with Hamas this week

President Trump anticipates a "good chance" of a deal with Hamas this week to release remaining hostages. He also plans to discuss a "permanent deal" with Iran with PM Netanyahu.

'Supreme moral duty':

Herzog sends Netanyahu to Washington with full support

President Herzog meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu ahead of the PM’s visit to Washington DC, 'An entire nation is watching, hoping, and praying to see all our hostages return home as soon as possible.'

Netanyahu’s office:

'Hamas’s requested changes are unacceptable'

Netanyahu’s office clarifies: The changes Hamas seeks to make to the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel. The negotiation team will nonetheless depart for talks in Qatar.

Chilling:

How Ofer Calderon survived execution before capture

Former hostage Ofer Calderon revisits the moments when he and his son were separated during the October 7th massacre.

Israeli delegation headed to Doha amid hostage deal concerns

Hostages Families Forum warns against partial deals, calls for a comprehensive agreement to bring all 50 hostages home.

Hamas agrees to ceasefire core, seeks minor tweaks

Hamas responds positively to the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release proposal, expressing agreement with its core while requesting "minor amendments." The group says it is ready to immediately enter a round of negotiations. Israeli official confirms receipt of Hamas response.

US Embassy:

Hostage families mark July 4th, call for 'One big beautiful deal'

On US Independence Day, hostage families gather at the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, urging President Trump to seize the opportunity for a comprehensive deal to bring home all 50 hostages and end the war.

This is the Hamas military wing head holding the hostages in Gaza

In a statement he issued last night, the IDF spokesman was asked about the identity of Hamas' current commander and replied briefly: "Izz al-Din al-Haddad, is in the northern Gaza Strip." Haddad, the former Gaza Brigade Commander, is the last senior member of Hamas's leadership remaining and is involved in negotiations for a ceasefire.

Report:

Hamas agreed to proposed hostage deal

Media outlets in Gaza report that Hamas has conveyed a positive response to Qatar regarding the proposed ceasefire and hostage release deal. Hamas: We are holding consultations.

Huckabee:

Hamas has no place in Gaza like Nazis had no place in Germany

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee discusses cautious optimism for a Gaza ceasefire, the return of hostages, and the strong US-Israel partnership, emphasizing Hamas's future elimination.

Edan Alexander to Trump:

They treated me better once you won the election

Edan Alexander tells Trump his captors eased conditions after election; President vows continued efforts to free remaining hostages.

Hostages families to PM:

Reach deal that guarantees return of every last hostage

Families of most of the remaining hostages sent a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu demanding a deal that eliminates the need for cruel selections and categories.

Report: New proposal for Gaza ceasefire deal

New 60-day ceasefire proposal includes phased release of hostages, IDF withdrawal from Gaza, and international guarantees, aiming for a permanent agreement.

First Look:

Families allow publication of Hamas videos of hostages

The families of hostages Maxim Herkin and Bar Kuperstein have agreed to the circulation of a Hamas video of their loved ones.

Karoline Leavitt:

'Hostages' faith through the horrors was inspiring'

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt met with a group of released hostages in Washington DC and promised that the US administration was working to recover the other hostages and end the war.

President Herzog:

'Bring back the hostages - this is the top priority'

President Isaac Herzog speaks with National Security College trainees about the security situation and the urgent need to bring the hostages home.

Netanyahu to urge Trump:

Pressure Qatar over Hamas leaders

Netanyahu’s expected appeal to Trump follows internal discussions on imposing pressure and sanctions against Hamas leaders in Qatar to help advance a hostage deal.

Proposed deal:

Five hostage releases over a 60-day ceasefire

New York Times reports that the new ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hamas calls for a 60-day truce involving the staggered release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies in five groups, as well as a ban on televised handovers.

Ex-hostage Edan Alexander to meet President Trump tomorrow

Edan Alexander will meet Pres. Trump and the First Lady a month and a half after his release was secured thanks to American efforts.

Watch

Chief Rabbi prays with hostage families

Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef visits the Hostage Families Forum Headquarters and met with the families of the hostages who continue to be held in Gaza.

Defense Minister:

'We will never give up on defeating the enemy'

Defense Minister Israel Katz spoke with soldiers on a visit to Rafah in Gaza and instructed them: 'Kill the enemy, return the hostages, and win - this is our mission and there is no chance we will give up on it.'

Captivity survivors & hostage families meet Treasury Sec Bessent

Omer Shem Tov; Noa Argamani, partner of hostage Avinatan Or; Iair Horn, brother of hostage Eitan Horn; and Tzur Goldin, brother of Lt. Hadar Goldin, met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and shared their harrowing experiences.

Lapid offers to counter:

Will Smotrich and Ben-Gvir shoot down hostage deal?

Ben-Gvir pushes for united front against hostage deal as Lapid pledges support to ensure it passes.

Herzog to captivity survivor:

'I was deeply upset by what you went through'

President Herzog speaks with Daniella Gilboa after she was denied restroom access at a Tel Aviv café: "I hope people will show more sensitivity - especially in such difficult times."

Captivity survivor:

'I promised never to lose hope'

'On behalf of the remaining 50 hostages, I shout their pain and their pleas to return home,' says hostage survivor Omer Wenkert at the Hostages' Square in Tel Aviv.

Trump:

'Israel agreed to ceasefire terms, Hamas should take this deal'

President Trump announces on Truth Social that Israel has agreed to conditions for a 60-day Gaza ceasefire and hostage release. He urges Hamas to accept the deal, warning of worsening conditions if they refuse.

Hostages' families

'PM's DC visit must be turning point, not symbolic'

The Hostage Families Forum called on the Israeli government to use Netanyahu's visit to Washington DC next week to secure a permanent ceasefire that will bring all of the remaining hostages home.

New Qatari proposal

8 living hostages returned on 1st day of ceasefire

A new proposal submitted to Israel calls for a 60-day ceasefire, on the first day of which eight live hostages will be released and two more on the 50th day.

Ohad Ben Ami's chilling testimony at the Knesset

Ohad Ben Ami describes a particularly chilling incident he experienced a few weeks before his release.

'Who cares if you were a hostage?'

Hamas captivity survivor kicked out of Tel Aviv cafe

Captivity survivor Daniela Gilboa claims she was kicked out of a cafe in Neve Tzedek after she asked to use the restroom and was rudely turned away by the owner. The cafe owner responded: "We don't let people in who aren't customers of the restaurant. I didn't tell her I didn't care if she was kidnapped."

'We must seek what unites us'

Rabbi Perez on hostages and national unity

In emotional interview, father of fallen soldier Daniel Perez urges Israelis to unite beyond politics and pursue a responsible deal for the hostages.

Qatar: No ongoing talks on Gaza ceasefire

A spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry says no ceasefire discussions are currently underway and accuses Israel of obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Smotrich on hostage deal:

'No more dialogue with murderers, we must win'

Minister Smotrich hails strategic victories over Iran, Hezbollah, and Syria, urging total defeat of Hamas without concessions or negotiations to ensure lasting security.

Liri Albag returns to IDF

Freed hostage rejoins military in meaningful new role

IDF observer Liri Albag, held by Hamas for 477 days, is rejoining the military, after undergoing rehabilitation and traveling the world.

Dani Elgarat reveals:

'My brother died in captivity - they thought he was a pilot'

Dani Elgarat, brother of hostage Itzik Elgarat, says he died under Hamas interrogation, after being falsely accused of being a pilot. 'He never came back.'

Report:

Egypt promoting 60-day ceasefire agreement in Gaza

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announces that Egypt is working to secure an agreement that includes a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. He accuses Israel of violating the previous agreement and warns that renewed fighting would become a source of regional instability.

Hostages families to Trump:

Earn Nobel Peace Prize with “Deal of All Deals”

The Hostages Families Forum responded to Trump's call for a ceasefire and hostage deal Hamas with an AI-generated picture of the American President receiving the Nobel Peace Prize

Hostage's uncle slams PM, opposes emerging deal with Hamas

Shimon Or, uncle of hostage Avinatan Or, sharply criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu, calling to halt the expected hostage deal with Hamas, urged a full Israeli re-entry into Gaza until all hostages are returned.

Niece of fallen soldier urges halt to Gaza aid

Yael Sabrigo, whose uncle’s body is held by Hamas, calls on Defense Minister Israel Katz to stop humanitarian aid to Gaza, warning it empowers the terrorists.

Trump:

'Make the deal in Gaza, get the hostages back!!!'

US President makes all-caps call for ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas on his Truth Social platform.

Liri Albag: 'After Iran, only the hostages remain'

At rally in Hostages Square, recently freed captives and families of those still held in Gaza urge for deal 'not in phases - not some now, some later. All of them. This is the only true victory.'

Trump:

'I think we can get a Gaza ceasefire within a week'

Speaking to reporters, President Trump says he believes a ceasefire in Gaza could be achieved within the next week.

Hostage’s father to Arutz Sheva:

'Halting aid will end war sooner, bring hostages home'

Tzvika Mor, father of hostage Eitan, rejects calls to end the war: "It abandons the hostages and disrespects the fallen."

Netanyahu:

Door open for peace

PM says Israel’s success against Iran paves way for broadening regional peace, urges swift action alongside efforts to defeat Hamas and free hostages.

Ofra Keidar laid to rest 629 days after her murder & abduction

Ofra Keidar was laid to rest in Kibbutz Be'eri today (Thursday) after being held captive for 625 days, and 629 days after her abduction and murder during the October 7 massacre.

MK Foghel to Arutz Sheva:

'Take off the gloves in Gaza and eliminate Hamas'

Chairman of the Knesset National Security Committee, MK Tzvika Foghel, tells Arutz Sheva-Israel National News that Israel must now focus military efforts on eliminating Hamas in Gaza and returning the hostages.

Aunt of murdered hostage:

'We must reach a deal to bring everyone back'

Hana Cohen, aunt of Inbar Hayman - murdered by Hamas and whose body is held in Gaza - calls on the government in an interview with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News to advance a comprehensive deal for the return of all hostages, both living and dead.

Elkin to Arutz Sheva:

'After completing Iran mission, Air Force returns to Gaza'

Minister Ze'ev Elkin tells Arutz Sheva-Israel National News that the successful military operation in Iran will significantly impact Hamas in Gaza and its willingness to reach a hostage deal.

'Seize the moment':

Hostage families urge US action while foes falter

Families of Hamas hostages, joined by a survivor, urge the US government on Capitol Hill to secure a comprehensive deal for the remaining hostages in Gaza. They emphasize the urgency of the situation, especially after the ceasefire with Iran.

Yonatan Samerano laid to rest after 627 days in captivity

Yonatan Samerano will be laid to rest this evening, 627 days after he was murdered and kidnapped to the Gaza Strip.