Hostages in Gaza

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.'

Israel and Hamas deny

Report: Hamas and Israel agree to 60-day ceasefire

President Trump reportedly expected to personally unveil terms of US-brokered ceasefire, as both sides agree to phased release of hostages and prisoners over 60-day truce period.

Netanyahu to hostages' families:

'Israel accepts Witkoff's new proposal'

PM says Israel agrees to US-backed deal but vows to keep fighting until all hostages return and Hamas is destroyed.

Report:

This is what Steve Witkoff's latest ceasefire proposal looks like

According to Arabic media, the latest US proposal features a 60-day ceasefire in which 10 living hostages and 18 bodies would be returned in 2 phases during the first week.

US envoy deal: 9 living hostages, 60-day ceasefire, IDF withdraws

US envoy Steve Witkoff’s plan includes release of nine hostages, 18 bodies, IDF pullback, and UN-managed aid to Gaza during talks to end the war.

Released Hostage:

'Terrorists were scared of Trump'

Released hostage Omer Shem Tov spoke about how Hamas terrorists were eager for Kamala Harris to win.

Ori Megidish recounts:

'I asked for signs from God - and received them'

The first hostage rescued from captivity, Ori Megidish, shares how her faith helped her survive and recalls the moment of her rescue when she shouted in Hebrew.

Smotrich warns:

'I won't allow a partial deal with Hamas'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responds to envoy Witkoff’s statement: "We must tighten the noose on Hamas and force it into a surrender deal with all hostages released at once."

Witkoff:

We will send a new proposal for a deal, 'I have good feelings'

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff revealed that he will send a new proposal for a ceasefire and hostage deal later in the day to Israel and Hamas.

Hamas claims:

'We reached agreement with US envoy on ceasefire deal'

After receiving criticism from Steve Witkoff for its response to his proprosals, Hamas claims to have agreed with US mediators on a general framework for a deal that would see the release of 10 hostages.

Netanyahu confirms: Mohammed Sinwar was eliminated

During a heated Knesset debate initiated by the opposition, Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected claims of government failure, highlighting military gains and vowing to return all hostages while accusing rivals of undermining the war effort for political gain.

Herzog to world leaders:

Silence is complicity in Hamas’ crimes

Speaking at an international conference in Jerusalem, President Herzog called for a united global front to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and to confront the escalating wave of antisemitism worldwide.

Liri Albag plans IDF return after Hamas captivity

Eli Albag says daughter Liri, freed after 477 days in Hamas captivity, now seeks to rejoin the IDF: 'She wants to settle the score.'

Hostage Negotiations:

Deal stalled over number of hostages to be released

An Egyptian channel reported that the disagreements primarily revolve around the number of living Israeli hostages and the deceased to be released in the first week of the deal.

Netanyahu:

'Hope we can announce something on hostages today or tomorrow'

PM makes hopeful statement on the remaining hostages amid reports a deal to free 10 hostages in exchange for a 70-day ceasefire could be reached soon.

Witkoff denies Hamas has agreed to hostage-ceasefire deal

Steve Witkoff calls Hamas’ response “disappointing and unacceptable,” stressing Israel’s acceptance of a temporary ceasefire and hostage deal is still on the table.

Moving

Yaakov Shwekey presents 'fallen soldiers' tallit' to Eli Sharabi

During a performance in Mexico, singer Yaakov Shwekey presented captivity survivor Eli Sharabi with a tallit worn during the filming of the music video of his song “Kaddish”, embroidered with the names of the victims of the war.

'Preference By Politics':

Former official claims discrimination against families

Liat Somer, a former senior member of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, has publicly accused elements within the organization of political discrimination in their treatment of families whose loved ones were abducted by Hamas.

Western Wall:

Homeland Security Secretary prays for slain Israeli embassy staff

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem prays at Western Wall with US Ambassador Huckabee, honoring fallen embassy staff and calling for hostages’ return.

Mixup at JFK:

Captivity survivor stopped after still being listed as captive

Liri Albag, who survived Hamas captivity, was questioned for an hour at JFK after US border agents flagged her as still held hostage.

Captivity survivor:

Before the IDF entered Rafah my captors deliberately starved me

At legal forum, hostage Omer Wenkert recounts 420 days of Hamas captivity marked by isolation, starvation, and abuse: 'They came to me once in never.'

Chief of Staff:

'Now is our time to defeat the Khan Yunis brigade'

During a high-level tour of Khan Yunis, Chief of the General Staff LTG Eyal Zamir, alongside top IDF commanders, conducted a strategic assessment as Operation Gideon’s Chariots intensifies.

A birthday in the darkness: Eitan Mor turns 25 in Hamas captivity

600 days after Eitan Mor was kidnapped to Gaza, his family marks his 25th with hope, prayer, and memories. 'He’s strong and encourages others,' says his father. 'We just want him back, whole in body and soul.

Agam Berger to French FM:

'Diplomatic solutions won't work'

Hamas captivity survivor Agam Berger tells France's Foreign Minister that "diplomatic solutions" are futile against Hamas, stating, "it's us or them."

‘Still there, still trembling’:

Freed hostage exposes ongoing Hamas brutality

Thousands gather in Tel Aviv as Israel nears 600 days since the October 7 massacre, survivor Naama Levy recounts the horrors of captivity and the fear still haunting those left behind. 'They’re there, clinging to walls, praying to survive.'

Israelis targeted by fake calls of hostage cries, explosions

Disturbing anonymous calls playing hostage recordings and explosion sounds under investigation by Israel’s Cyber Directorate, authorities urge public to hang up, block suspicious numbers.

'Buried In Rubble':

Freed hostage Edan Alexander’s shocking ordeal in Hamas captivity

Adi Alexander, father of freed hostage Edan Alexander, has revealed harrowing new details about his son's captivity in Gaza.

ISA chief to Edan Alexander:

'You were freed thanks to Witkoff, not us'

Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar reportedly told captivity survivor Edan Alexander: "I want to apologize to you for falling into captivity partly because of us, and for being freed thanks to Witkoff and not us."

While hostages languish

Watch: Tens of thousands of pitas baked in Gaza

Newly released footage shows the preparation of pitas using flour provided through humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, while hostages remain held in captivity.

'New Day Will Rise'

Watch: Israeli Eurovision star performs at Hostages Square

Israel's Eurovision 2025 representative, Yuval Raphael, and singer Karen Peles performed 'New Day Will Rise at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.

Israel recalls entire negotiating team from Qatar

After reaching a dead-end in talks with Hamas, Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered all remaining members of the Israeli delegation to return to Israel.

Watch:

Hostage David Cunio marks second birthday in captivity

Sharon Cunio says Emma and Yuli need their father David in order to heal from their captivity, 'They need their father to heal. To recover. To rebuild trust'