Hostages in Gaza

'We won'

Naama and Karina look back on their first moments of freedom

Naama Levy and Karina Ariev told Galei Tzahal that Hamas’s staged release ceremony felt empowering, as they recall captivity, survival, and ongoing rehabilitation.

Anger in Israel at US special envoy Steve Witkoff

Israeli official claims: “Witkoff pushed to bring our major rival Turkey to the border. The clock is ticking backward toward a confrontation with Turkey."

Hundreds at rally in Meitar: Without Ran, there's no 'stage two'

Hundreds of attendees at Meitar rally call for the immediate return of deceased hostage Ran Gvili and the completion of the first phase of the deal with Hamas.

Watch:

Bar Kupershtein on stage with Hatikva 6

At Hatikva 6's concert held at Hangar 11 in Tel Aviv, former captive Bar Kupershtein took the stage alongside lead singer Omri Glickman.

Ran Gvili's family urges Trump to place the pressure on Hamas

Family of Ran Gvili, the last hostage still held in Gaza, urges US President Donald Trump to place the pressure on Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stand firm and keep commitments.

Zamir to Gvili's parents:

'Full commitment to bring him home'

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir meets Ran Gvili’s parents after a Kabbalat Shabbat service calling for his return, reaffirming the army’s full commitment to bringing Ran home.

Will Rafah Crossing reopen? Israeli official: 'We'll discuss it'

Israel announced it will hold cabinet discussions next week on reopening the Rafah Crossing with Egypt, alongside efforts to determine the fate of the last Israeli hostage, Ron Gvili.

Rom Braslavski: He hit me like he was a Hamas operative

Hamas captivity survivor Rom Braslavski arrives at police station to give testimony after alleged attack by singer's boyfriend.

Watch:

UNRWA worker murdered his son, now he affixed a mezuzah on its HQ

After buildings in the UNRWA complex were demolished, Kobi Samerano, whose son, Yonatan, was abducted and murdered by a member of the organization, carried out a symbolic act of closure.

Trump:

'We think we know where Ran Gvili is'

US President says the location of the last remaining hostage in Gaza may be known.

After heated exchange

Singer apologizes to former hostage

Following the release of a contentious recorded phone call, Israeli singer Nasreen Kadri published an apology to captivity survivor Rom Braslavski after he alleged he was assaulted by her boyfriend.

Islamic Jihad knows where Ran is - but sets a condition

An Islamic Jihad spokesman claims the body of Ran Gvili is being held in a tunnel into which the IDF poured concrete.

'The nicest tunnel is here'

Matan Angrest returns to the soccer pitch

At Maccabi Haifa’s match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, captivity survivor Matan Agrest was honored on the field, as singer Benaia Barabi paid tribute and calls were renewed for the return of hostage Ran Gvili.

New details:

Boyfriend of famous singer suspected of assaulting ex-hostage

The police suspect that the partner of a well-known Israeli singer attacked former hostage Rom Braslavski at a Tel Aviv nightclub last night.

Yarden Bibas's heartbreaking message for Kfir

Captivity survivor Yarden Bibas published a personal post to mark the third birthday of his son Kfir, who was murdered in Hamas captivity.

'Am Yisrael Chai'

Freed hostage Omer Wenkert shares message of unity at IAC

At the IAC Summit, freed hostage Omer Wenkert shares his recovery journey and a message of hope and unity while urging continued efforts to bring the last hostage home.

Parents of Hostage:

'Don't leave Ran behind!'

The family of Ran Gvili, the last remaining hostage in Gaza, denounced Trump's push to begin the second phase of the Gaza plan as abandoning Israel's security.

Released hostage:

I agreed to die in Gaza so that Israel could destroy Hamas

Hamas captivity survivor Eitan Mor expresses support for his father's position, says he refused offer to spy for Hamas

Witkoff reveals:

'Trump shed a tear meeting freed hostages at the White House'

Speaking at the IAC National Summit, Witkoff says Trump shed a tear during the White House visit of 20 freed hostages, and reflects on his own personal loss and the meaning he found in helping their families.

Moving:

Sagui Dekel‑Chen and Idan Raichel together on stage in Florida

Former hostage survivor Sagui Dekel‑Hen opened the IAC Summit in Florida with a moving performance together with Idan Raichel. Watch.

Trump:

'Hamas must return the final hostage and disarm'

Trump announces Phase Two of his Gaza peace plan, backs a new Palestinian technocratic government, and demands Hamas disarm and return the final hostage’s body to Israel.

Trump Gaza plan:

WJC backs Phase Two, urges action to recover Ran Gvili

WJC praises US-led progress on hostage returns and Gaza ceasefire but says closure is impossible until Ran Gvili is brought home, urging continued pressure on Hamas as Phase Two of the plan begins.

Steve Witkoff announces

Moving to Phase 2 of Gaza peace plan

US Special Envoy says the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement will now begin even though Hamas has not fulfilled its obligations to return all of the hostages,

Report:

Trump to announce second phase of Gaza plan today

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce the second phase, including international oversight and a Palestinian technocratic government, despite Hamas not releasing the hostage Ran Gvili.

Former hostage shares powerful story he learned from the Tanya

Former hostage Eitan Mor describes how a teaching from the Tanya helped save his life in Gaza, as he joined the family of fallen hostage Ran Gvili for a special Tanya printing ceremony.

Mother of Hostage:

'Only military pressure will bring Ran home'

The mother of Ran Gvili, the last hostage in Gaza, describes the struggle to bring back her son and expresses concern about the normalization of the current situation.

David Cunio:

'The thought of my family kept me alive'

Former hostage David Cunio recounts the terrorists’ abuse, the painful separation from his wife and daughters, and the emotions that surfaced upon returning home.

'We responded: Oh, cool'

How the hostages discovered that Sinwar had been eliminated

Emily Damari and Romi Gonen recount the moment they learned that the Hamas leader who orchestrated their abduction was killed by IDF troops.

'Ran must come first'

Meitar rally urges return of last hostage

Dozens gather in Meitar to demand the return of Ran Gvili, the final hostage whose remains are still held in Gaza, urging leaders not to advance any agreement until he is brought home.

'Even Likud is an option'

Hostage’s mother signals political ambitions

Einav Zangauker, mother of former hostage Matan and a leading voice for hostage families, says she’s considering entering politics, noting multiple parties have approached her.

Despite storm

Israelis unite for weekly Shabbat call to bring Ran Gvili home

Hundreds gather in Tel Aviv for a Shabbat service honoring Ran Gvili, the last hostage still held in Gaza, urging his immediate return and stressing that recovery cannot begin until he is home.

'I Knew We'd Be Free:'

Eli Sharabi's story of faith under Gaza

Former hostage Eli Sharabi shares how he is coping with loss, his faith in being freed, and his longing for life in Kibbutz Be'eri.

Leah Goldin:

'Hadar returned whole, I touched his hand'

Leah Goldin described the emotional reunion with her son Hadar after his body was returned from Hamas captivity, saying it brought a sense of calm and victory after 11 years.

Captivity survivor's direct message to ex-captors

Rom Braslavski posted a video in which he addresses the terrorists in Gaza in Arabic and declares: 'You won't break our spirit.'

The Chief Rabbi's emotional meeting with Ran Gvili's parents

Rabbi David Yosef met with the parents of the last remaining hostage in Gaza.

Last hostage's mother:

'Don't rebuild Gaza before Rani comes home'

Talik Gvili demands a halt to all progress in Gaza until her son is returned. Minister Smotrich vows, 'We will not open Rafah until Ran comes back.'

'What am I doing in Gaza?'

Keith and Aviva Siegel share their harrowing captivity story

Speaking at Limmud Festival in Britain, Keith and Aviva Siegel recount their abduction and captivity. Aviva: I said to myself, ‘You're going to go through worse’.

Segev Kalfon fights for his life again

Segev Kalfon, a survivor of Hamas captivity, gave an interview to the AP News Agency, where he spoke about the things he did to please his captors and the violence he endured while in captivity.

After two years:

Hostages Families Forum concludes operations

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, created immediately after the October 7th Massacre, has ended its work, but stressed: 'Our mission will not be complete until Ran Gvili returns for burial in Israel."

The cry of Rani’s father: Don't say 'may God avenge his blood'

Itzik Gvili, father of Rani who was abducted to Gaza, recounts meetings with Trump: “We believe he will return.”

Trump to Gvili family:

'I'm doing everything I can, and I will bring Ran home'

The Gvili family meets Netanyahu and Trump, urging renewed efforts to bring home Ran Gvili’s body from Gaza, emphasizing that Israel’s recovery and justice depend on returning all hostages.

Family of Ran Gvili meets Trump team

Gvili family meets with Witkoff, Kushner, and Rubio ahead of President Trump meeting; Officials say bringing Ran home is President Trump’s top priority.

Bereaved families to Trump: Ensure Hamas' total destruction

Bereaved families pen letter to US President Donald Trump, demanding he not compel Israel to progress second stage of Gaza ceasefire until Hamas is completely destroyed and the last hostage returned.

Hamas captivity survivors announce engagement

Matan Zangauker and Ilana Gritzwesky, both survivors of Hamas captivity, announce engagement. 'This is my victory.'

'They told me my wife was dead'

Elkana Bohbot’s testimony of atrocities in captivity

Former hostage Elkana Bohbot reveals the severe abuse he endured, including humiliation, curses, and the terrorists’ repeated wishes for the death of his young son.

'Guys, this is victory'

Emily Damari raises her injured hand in Amsterdam

Emily Damari, a survivor of captivity in Gaza who was wounded on October 7, photographed by the river in Amsterdam - the same site where Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were attacked a year ago.

Hostage Meets Trump:

Eliya Cohen visits Mar-A-Lago

During a shared meal, Cohen recounted to Trump the details of his captivity and the importance of publicizing his story, and he thanked him for his efforts on behalf of Israel.

'No phase two without Ran':

Families demand return of last hostage before next step

Hundreds join a moving Kabbalat Shabbat in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, urging unity and demanding Hamas return Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage whose body remains in Gaza.

Captivity survivor:

Rabbi Druckman’s teachings gave me strength during captivity

Hamas captivity survivor Agam Berger describes how she miraculously received a prayer book and summary of Rabbi Haim Druckman's book during her time in captivity. 'It came at the moment when I did not expect it, and gave us strength.'

Romi Gonen reveals:

'The terrorist put a gun to my head and threatened me'

Former hostage Romi Gonen speaks publicly for the first time about the assaults she endured in captivity. President Herzog: “This is sexual violence and a systematic attempt to crush the soul.”

Hamas:

'We will continue searching for the body of Ran Gvili'

A senior Hamas official says the search for the last hostage’s body is ongoing and promises it will be transferred to Israel once accurate information about its location is obtained.

Bereaved families demand:

No rebuilding of Gaza before Hamas defeat, last hostage returned

During a protest held this evening by bereaved families outside the cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, the demonstrators called on the prime minister not to yield to pressure.

Watch:

Captivity survivor and war widow in moving duet

Freed hostage Agam Berger duets with war widow Rachel Goldberg in moving performance at educational conference.

Captivity survivor:

'Hamas admits that the protests helped them'

Hamas captivity survivor Eitan Mor reveals Hamas' military knowledge, stresses, 'They know more than most soldiers.'

'Ceasefire can't advance until Ran returns home'

Talik Gvili, mother of Ran Gvili, the last remaining hostage in captivity, gave a statement alongside Dalia Cunsir Horn, sister-in-law of captivity survivors Iair and Eitan Horn, calling the US and Israel not to forget Ran.

AI:

Hostage Ran Gvili addresses President Trump in AI video plea

An AI video shows hostage Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili personally appealing to Trump to bring him home from Gaza. 'I’m asking you to see this through… bring me home before it's too late.' His mother described hearing his voice as 'both emotional and sad.'

Criminal investigation:

Health clinic employee attempted to access ex-hostage's records

Israel’s Privacy Protection Authority concluded a criminal investigation into a clinic employee who tried to access a former hostage’s medical file without authorization, citing serious privacy violations.

Last hostage:

Israel gave critical information on the burial place of Ran Gvili

Israeli security officials assess Hamas knows which terrorists hold information on Ran Gvili’s burial site but is refusing to interrogate them, with Israel avoiding their elimination to preserve the chance of his return.

Crowds light eighth Hanukkah candle at Hostages Square

Crowds gathered with menorahs to light the eighth Hanukkah candle at Hostages Square to call for the return of Ran Gvili, the last remaining deceased hostage in Hamas captivity.

Minister Eli Cohen

'Only we can disarm Hamas'

Minister Eli Cohen, a member of the political and security cabinet, estimates that Israel will have to be the one to disarm Hamas.