Hostages in Gaza

Mother of murdered hostage:

Happy no one was hurt and no terrorists were released for him

Mother of hostage whose body was recovered from Gaza recounts symbolic moments, unwavering hope, and a call for unity in Yonatan’s memory.

Kibbutz Be'eri

The clock in Ofra's home stopped at 6:29

Kibbutz Be'eri published a photo of the clock in the home of murdered hostage Ofra Keidar, which is stuck at 6:29 a.m., the time that Hamas began its massacre on October 7th, 2023.

Bodies of 3 hostages recovered from Gaza

In a special operation carried out by the ISA and the IDF, the bodies of the hostages Ofra Keidar, Yonatan Samerano, and Staff Sergeant Shay Levinson were recovered from the Gaza Strip yesterday

Terrorist responsible for burial of Haggai couple in Gaza killed

The IDF and Shin Bet have eliminated a senior member of the Kataeb al-Mujahideen organization, who was responsible for burying the bodies of Judi Weinstein-Haggai and Gadi Haggai. During the week, more than 300 targets were attacked in the Gaza Strip.

Watch:

Murdered hostage Yair Yaakov is laid to rest in Nir Oz

After a painful wait of 623 days, Yair (YaYa) Yaakov, who was murdered on October 7 and was held captive for 614 days, is laid to rest in the soil of Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Tenafly rejoices as freed hostage Edan Alexander returns home

Tenafly, NJ, erupts in cheers as freed American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and freed last month, returns home.

Hostage families to Trump:

'Seize Iran crisis as opportunity for comprehensive deal'

Families of 53 Gaza hostages implore President Trump to secure their loved ones' release amid escalating Middle East tensions, stress the urgency of seizing the current moment while Iran and Hamas are weakened.

Conditions not met

Israel rejects request to renew negotiations with Hamas

Mediators approached Israel with a request to send a delegation to talks about a hostage and ceasefire deal in Sharm El-Sheikh, but an Israeli official claims the conditions have not yet been met.

Cleared for publication:

Body of Aviv Atzili recovered from Gaza

Body of the deceased hostage, Warrant Officer Aviv Atzili, was recovered last week from Hamas captivity in Gaza, together with that of Yair Yaakov.

'Reward for terrorism'

UN General Assembly approves anti-Israel resolution

UN General Assembly passes a Gaza ceasefire resolution, omitting demands for hostage release and condemnation of Hamas. Israel's Ambassador Danon calls it a "grave abandonment" and "reward for terrorism".

Bereaved Family:

'Too many lives lost, this must end'

The family of hostage Yair Yaakov urged the government to speed up the process of recovering the remaining 53 hostages as part of their eulogy for Yair.

Witkoff:

'Iran can not achieve its deadly ambitions, no matter the cost'

At United Hatzalah Gala, US envoy Steve Witkoff vows unwavering support for Israel, denounces Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and affirms commitment to bringing hostages home.

IDF recovers bodies of two hostages

In a joint IDF and ISA operation, the bodies of hostage Yair Yaakov, and an additional hostage whose name has not yet been cleared for publication were recovered from the Khan Yunis area.

‘Unwavering Commitment’:

Argentina's Milei embraces hostage families’ plea

During an emotional meeting in Jerusalem, President Javier Milei reaffirmed Argentina’s dedication to securing the release of Israeli hostages, as survivor Yarden Bibas thanked him for his personal support and national solidarity.

Heroism Despite Failures:

IDF inquiry exposes gaps in Yachini's defense during massacre

The IDF's newly released inquiry into the October 7 massacre in Yachini reveals critical security failures, including unfortified defenses and unprepared local forces.

Mother of slain hostage:

'People often ask me, are you sure?'

Yifat Haiman, mother of hostage Inbar Haiman, warns: “If we proceed in stages, my daughter could disappear. I live in total uncertainty - I don’t know her condition.”

Former hostage's story:

'It was so dark in the tunnel I couldn't see a shadow'

Omer Shem Tov, who was returned to Israel after over 500 days in Hamas captivity, describes his ordeal in an appearance on the Living Lchaim podcast.

Netanyahu on hostage talks: 'There has been great progress'

Prime Minister Netanyahu said there was progress being made to achieve a hostage deal, but noted: 'It's early to give hope.'

Herzog to the Chief Rabbis:

'Declare a day of fasting and prayer for the hostages'

The President of the State called on the Chief Rabbis to declare a day of fasting for the hostages.

Trump:

'Iran involved in Israel-Hamas hostage talks'

After speaking to Netanyahu, President Trump reveals Iran's involvement in indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a hostage release. He calls Iranians "tough negotiators" on a nuclear deal, citing their unacceptable demands on uranium enrichment.

Unimaginable cruelty:

Angrest family releases new footage of Matan’s abduction

The family of kidnapped Israeli soldier Matan Angrest released a new segment Monday evening from footage documenting his abduction to the Gaza Strip during the October 7 massacre.

Anat Angrest

'Matan is in danger - The public must see these horrific images'

Mother of hostage Matan Angrest announces that the family will release another segment of the video tonight (Monday) showing the near-lynching of her son on October 7th.

One week later:

Boulder returns to attack site to stand for hostages

Thousands gather at Boulder Jewish Festival and Run for Their Lives to honor the hostages, a week after a terror attack targeted the same location.

A journey of strength and sorrow

Noa Argamani marks one year since rescue

In a moving message, the rescued hostage reflects on a year of pain, unity, and the continued fight to bring loved ones home.

1 week after Boulder attack

Thousands gather in NYC to call for hostages' release

Days after a terror attack on US soil, thousands rally in Central Park demanding the return of all hostages and justice for October 7 victims—'We will not back down.'

Cruel deception:

Hamas lied to Israeli hostage about imminent release

Hamas told Matan Zangauker he would be freed with Edan Alexander—then heartlessly abandoned him, worsening his mental state, according to his family.

Hamas releases new photo of hostage Matan Zangauker

Hamas publishes new image of hostage Matan Zangauker, warning he won’t be rescued alive as IDF forces close in.

Eliminated:

Head of terror group responsible for Bibas family murder

IDF eliminates As'ad Abu Shakriya, commander of the 'Al-Mujahideen Brigades,' and another senior official in the Salafi organization near a hospital in Gaza City.

IDF recovers body of Thai hostage

Body of Nattapong Pinta, kidnapped during the October 7 massacre, brought to Israel following a special military operation.

'Acted with quiet strength'

Liri Albag remembers fallen classmate Yoav Raver

Captivity survivor Liri Albag mourns her former classmate, Staff Sergeant Yoav Raver, one of four soldiers killed in Gaza. Remembered for his kindness and quiet strength, Yoav was also a national youth basketball player.

IDF:

'Critical and moral mission to bring all 56 hostages home'

IDF Spokesperson Effie Defrin issues solemn statement following the tragic deaths of four IDF soldiers during combat operations in Gaza, shedding light on the challenging realities of the ongoing conflict and the IDF's multifaceted efforts.

New details:

This is how the IDF found the bodies of Gadi and Judi Haggai

Newly released details shed light on the intelligence-led mission that brought the bodies of Gadi and Judi Haggai back from Khan Yunis.

Gadi and Judih in happier days:

'Everything's quiet, there's some action in Gaza'

The family of Gadi Haggai and Judih Weinstein Haggai released several videos of the couple in the wake of the recovery of their bodies from Gaza after over 600 days.

Chilling:

Judih Weinstein Haggai's last call to MDA

The MDA has published Judih Weinstein Haggai's last call for help after her husband was murdered and she was injured and cried for help.

Netanyahu on hostage recovery op:

'We won't rest until all hostages are home'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praises operation that recovered the bodies of hostages Gadi Haggai and Judih Weinstein Haggai, promises, 'We will not rest, nor will we be silent, until we return home all of our hostages - the living and the deceased.'

Gadi and Judith's bodies returned to Israel in military operation

Kibbutz Nir Oz announces: Bodies of Gadi Haggai and Judih Weinstein Haggai returned to Israel in military operation.

IDF Chief of Staff:

Hamas is paying a heavy price for refusing Witkoff's proposal

IDF Chief of Staff hails new graduates as future military leaders amid war, vows continued pursuit of Hamas and unwavering commitment to IDF values and hostages’ return.

President Herzog:

President Herzog: 'Just tell Hamas - enough. Release everyone'

At the President’s Residence, families of hostages, volunteers, and artists came together for a moving event highlighting the national tefillin initiative launched in merit of those still held captive by Hamas.

For 1st time:

Hostage families meet WH Chief of Staff, Press Secretary

For the first time since the October 7 attacks, families of hostages held in Gaza met with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles,White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and Special Envoy Stev Witkoff.

Protest at Kerem Shalom:

Hostages' families block trucks: 'This is direct aid to Hamas'

Following the closure of humanitarian aid centers, 'Tzav 9' activists and hostages' families block the passage of aid to Gaza, 'The trucks go directly to Hamas which is holding our loved ones.'

For the first time:

Hostage families meet White House CoS and Press Secretary

White House officials reaffirm the Trump administration’s full commitment to securing the release of all 58 hostages, stress that the administration will continue working relentlessly until every hostage is brought home.

Herzog to captivity survivor

'Your presence here is a message of hope'

President Isaac Herzog met with released hostage Omer Wenkert, who was held by Hamas for over a year and freed this past February.

Father Of Hostage:

'It was too painful to celebrate Shavuot'

Itzik, father of the hostage Eitan Horn, shares his difficult feelings regarding the renewed offensive in Gaza and the lack of information about the hostages.

Former Galei Tzahal Commander:

'Hamas defeated us without intending to do so'

The former commander of Israel Defense Forces Radio, Moshe Shlonsky, said that Hamas has achieved diplomatic victory despite its military losses.

Israeli officials: 'We can reach a deal'

Israeli officials with knowledge of the hostage and ceasefire negotiations say they have not yet collapsed and efforts are being made to bridge the gaps with the terror organization.

Sources:

Mediators pushing Hamas on Witkoff deal objections

Mediators pushing Hamas to soften demands for a Gaza ceasefire, eyeing minor wording changes, especially on ending the war, to break the deadlock.

Hamas welcomes Egypt-Qatar push for Gaza truce

Egypt and Qatar reaffirm their commitment to advancing a Gaza ceasefire based on US envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal. Hamas welcomes their statement, expressing readiness for indirect talks but reiterating demands for a full IDF withdrawal.

Regardless of negotiations

Minister Katz's orders to the troops in Gaza

Defense Minister reaffirms Israel’s resolve to destroy Hamas, says military operations will proceed regardless of hostage talks.

IDF Chief of Staff:

'Return of hostages is the top priority'

IDF Chief affirms commitment to recovering all hostages in meeting with bereaved families, who warn of growing risks amid intensified Gaza operations.

Moving:

Torah dedication march pauses to show solidarity for hostages

Members of the central synagogue in the Rehavia neighbourhood in Jerusalem paused a celebratory Torah dedication march at the hostages' families' protest encampment near the PM's residence to show solidarity and pray for their quick return.

Emotional musical moments:

Hostage survivor sings with popular Israeli singer

Singer Adir Getz surprises hostage survivor Daniela Gilboa and her sister on their birthday.

Ben Gvir: ‘Only truce Hamas deserves is a bullet to the head’

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sharply criticizes the Witkoff outline and the PM's support for it, warning that any ceasefire would allow Hamas to regroup. “I'm not just worried about the hostages, but also about our children and soldiers,” he stated.

Hamas demands:

Seven-year ceasefire, full IDF withdrawal in latest proposal

Israeli official: Hamas’ response to ceasefire plan is 'a slammed door,' with demands far from Israel’s offer. Witkoff: Hamas' response 'totally unacceptable.'

Hamas responds to ceasefire proposal with conditions and demands

Hamas delivers conditional response to US envoy Steve Witkoff's truce plan, seeking phased hostage release and US pressure on Israel to comply.

Amid deal uncertainty

Trump envoys reassure hostage families

Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Adam Boehler, assure hostage families they'll leverage humanitarian aid for info if a deal fails, promising not to abandon them, according to Israeli TV report.

DM Katz to Hamas:

'Accept the deal or be eliminated'

Defense Minister Israel Katz warns Hamas to accept US envoy Steve Witkoff’s ceasefire proposal or face elimination. The warning comes after Hamas said it is discussing the proposal with other factions.

Former hostage:

'I am proud that I chose life'

Former Hamas hostage Eli Sharabi launches his new book 'Kidnapped' in which he shares his difficult time in captivity, 'they demanded that we read the Quran, we refused; I am proud that I chose life.'

Hostages' families block Gaza aid trucks in protest

Tzav 9 activists and hostages' families block humanitarian aid trucks at Kerem Shalom, demanding Israel stop supplies that benefit Hamas.

Report:

This is the full text of Witkoff’s Gaza ceasefire proposal

Drop Site News reveals full text of the US "term sheet" for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal as proposed by envoy Steve Witkoff. Hamas has yet to accept the proposal: It does not meet our demands.

'Go be our beacons and hope'

Rachel Goldberg-Polin's inspiring address

Mother of American hostage who was murdered by his Hamas captors thanks YU graduates for their love and support during commencement speech. 'In this life, we are what we do.'