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Hostages in Gaza

News and updates about Hostages in Gaza

NJ Governor:

‘Our prayers have finally been answered’

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Senator Andy Kim welcome Edan Alexander’s release from Hamas captivity, expressing relief and gratitude for the Tenafly native’s safe return after 19 months of uncertainty.

‘Our prayers have finally been answered’

Watch:

Alexander family recites ‘Shehecheyanu’

Edan Alexander reunites with his family upon arriving at Ichilov Hospital. His family recites the Shehecheyanu blessing.

Alexander family recites ‘Shehecheyanu’

First hug

Edan Alexander's moving reunion with his family

Footage shows the moving moment released American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander reunited with his family in Israel.

Edan Alexander's moving reunion with his family

American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander arrives in Israel

Accompanied by IDF forces, hostage Edan Alexander has crossed into Israel, where he will undergo initial medical examinations and meet his family.

American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander arrives in Israel

Footage from Gaza:

Commander of Edan's brigade announces his release

The commander of the Golani Brigade, where Edan served when he was abducted, notified his troops of the hostage's release.

Commander of Edan's brigade announces his release

'Held In A Cage':

Edan Alexander shares torturous conditions of his captivity

After 584 days in captivity, IDF soldier and American citizen Edan Alexander has returned to Israel, offering a chilling testimony of his ordeal in Gaza.

Edan Alexander shares torturous conditions of his captivity

Watch:

Edan's mother speaks to him for the first time after his release

The IDF has released footage of the moment US Envoy Steve Witkoff handed Yael Alexander the phone to talk to her son after being released from Hamas captivity. 'You are strong. You are protected. You are home. We will meet soon. I love you.'

Edan's mother speaks to him for the first time after his release

Herzog and German Chancellor watch release of Edan Alexander

At the end of their meeting, the Israeli President and the Chancellor of Germany watched together the release of Edan Alexander, after 584 days in Hamas captivity.

Herzog and German Chancellor watch release of Edan Alexander

Watch:

Family of Edan Alexander celebrates release from Hamas captivity

The Alexander family was seen celebrating shortly after news broke that Edan had been transferred to the Red Cross following a year and a half in captivity.

Family of Edan Alexander celebrates release from Hamas captivity

Father of Hostage:

'I have no expectations from Trump'

Tzvika Mor, father of hostage Eitan Mor, warns of political manipulation, partial deals, and misplaced trust as global attention returns to Gaza.

'I have no expectations from Trump'

Former senior Mossad official:

'Hamas will remain in Gaza - there is no magic solution'

Dr. Amnon Sofrin estimates that the many declarations that Hamas will be destroyed completely are likely to fall short of the truth.

'Hamas will remain in Gaza - there is no magic solution'

Netanyahu to Trump and Witkoff:

'Negotiations will only be conducted under fire'

Prime Minister Netanyahu met with US Envoy Steve Witkoff and US Ambassador Mike Huckabee and spoke with US President Donald Trump ahead of the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander.

'Negotiations will only be conducted under fire'

Watch:

Residents of Edan Alexander's hometown wait for his release

Residents of Tenafly, New Jersey, the hometown of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, gathered in the early morning hours to wait for his expected release.

Residents of Edan Alexander's hometown wait for his release

Watch:

US Hostage Envoy on plane with Edan Alexander's mother

While flying to Israel for the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, Adam Boehler insisted that 'the President cares very much about all of you. So I am here, and I am getting the hostages back.'

US Hostage Envoy on plane with Edan Alexander's mother

Hostage's mother: Edan Alexander's release 'only the first step'

Families of hostages deliver press statement at Hostages Square, sharing their feelings as news of hostage Edan Alexander's release becomes official.

Hostage's mother: Edan Alexander's release 'only the first step'

IDF preparing for release of Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity

Staff Sgt. Edan Alexander to be brought to Re'im upon release from Hamas captivity, footage will be released only with the family's permission.

IDF preparing for release of Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity

Minister Eli Cohen:

Hamas' fear of escalation led to hostage release

Energy Minister Eli Cohen credits IDF pressure and US diplomacy for the expected release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, warns against temporary truces that allow Hamas to regroup.

Hamas' fear of escalation led to hostage release

Hamas to release hostage Edan Alexander today

Hamas due to release Israeli-American soldier, for the first time as part of direct negotiations with the US. Israel warns: 'If more hostages are not released, we will launch a broad operation.'

Hamas to release hostage Edan Alexander today

Promise to Hamas:

'Give Trump a gift, he'll give you a bigger gift in return'

AP source says Hamas waiting to see what US President will give in return for their gesture, hoping for end of war.

'Give Trump a gift, he'll give you a bigger gift in return'

PM's Office:

'Alexander's release - thanks to the vigorous policy we led'

Prime Minister's Office: Edan Alexander will be released without concessions, no commitment to ceasefire or terrorist release.

'Alexander's release - thanks to the vigorous policy we led'

Assessment in Israel:

Edan Alexander to be released this afternoon

Family of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander says US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has notified them that Hamas will release him from captivity. Senior Hamas official: We were advised to “give a gift to President Trump and in return he will give back a better one.”

Edan Alexander to be released this afternoon

Pope Leo in first address:

'Deeply hurt by goings on in Gaza, ceasefire now’

In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV expresses deep pain over the violence in Gaza, urging an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

'Deeply hurt by goings on in Gaza, ceasefire now’

'A goodwill gesture'

Qatar, Egypt welcome release of Edan Alexander

Qatar and Egypt say that the release of Edan Alexander is a "goodwill gesture" toward reviving ceasefire talks.

Qatar, Egypt welcome release of Edan Alexander

Trump confirms:

'Edan Alexander is coming home'

US President confirms that Edan Alexander will be released by Hamas: This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States. Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict.

'Edan Alexander is coming home'

Witkoff:

'Reports of Trump-Netanyahu rift are preposterous'

Trump’s Middle East envoy dismisses reports of a rift with Netanyahu as "preposterous," reaffirms the strong US-Israel alliance.

'Reports of Trump-Netanyahu rift are preposterous'

Tikva Forum:

'A partial deal - a surrender to Hamas and harm to the hostages'

Hostage families from the Tikva Forum respond to the Prime Minister's Office announcement regarding the possibility of negotiations with Hamas on the Witkoff outline and call not to surrender to the terror organization.

'A partial deal - a surrender to Hamas and harm to the hostages'

Islamic Jihad:

Hostages will be released only when war ends

Deputy leader of Islamic Jihad says Israeli demand to disarm terrorist organizations is totally unacceptable as it means the beginning of the forced expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza.

Hostages will be released only when war ends

Emily Damari receives emotional welcome at Spurs match

Damari thanked everyone for their support for her release and expressed her wish that the remaining 59 hostages, including her close friends Gali and Ziv Berman, be home soon.

Emily Damari receives emotional welcome at Spurs match

NYC:

Hundreds spend Mother's Day calling for hostages' release

Hundreds gathered in New York City's Central Park to call for the release of the hostages being held in Gaza.

Hundreds spend Mother's Day calling for hostages' release

MK Revivo to Netanyahu:

'No negotiations without info on abducted soldier Tamir Nimrodi'

In a letter to the Prime Minister, MK Eliyahu Revivo demands confirmed information on Nimrodi’s condition before any negotiations, calling it “a moral, national, and security test.”

'No negotiations without info on abducted soldier Tamir Nimrodi'

Huckabee:

'Houthi attacks on Israel could be considered attacks on America'

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee warned that any Houthi attacks on Israel could be seen as direct threats to the United States, citing the 700,000 American citizens living in the country.

'Houthi attacks on Israel could be considered attacks on America'

Hostages Forum calls for 'comprehensive regional agreement'

Hostages Families Forum responds to report on regional initiative, calls on Israeli government to surrender war in exchange for hostages' release.

Hostages Forum calls for 'comprehensive regional agreement'

Stalemate in talks with Hamas over ceasefire deal

A Hamas delegation held two rounds of talks in Doha this week with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, but negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire hit a deadlock as Hamas demands a sweeping, one-phase end to the war.

Stalemate in talks with Hamas over ceasefire deal

Ex-hostage recounts:

'We tried to escape through streets of Gaza'

Freed hostage Eliya Cohen recounted his attempt with other hostages to escape until they were recognized as Jews by a Gazan civilian. 'Everyone is Gaza supports this.'

'We tried to escape through streets of Gaza'

Smotrich: Most of the nation opposes surrendering to Hamas

Sources close to Minister Smotrich clarify that he stated in a meeting with families of hostages that he is convinced "most of the nation opposes surrendering to Hamas in a way that would endanger Israel's security."

Smotrich: Most of the nation opposes surrendering to Hamas

Minister Goldknopf: The ultimate goal - releasing the hostages

Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf meets families of hostages, stresses: "Jewish law establishes that the value of redeeming captives and preserving life is supreme, even overriding Shabbat."

Minister Goldknopf: The ultimate goal - releasing the hostages

'Jewish Resilience'

Montana Tucker launches campaign with released hostages

American entertainer Montana Tucker meets Israeli survivors and IDF soldiers during solidarity visit, highlighting Jewish resilience and the power of global support in the aftermath of October 7.

Montana Tucker launches campaign with released hostages

A mother’s hope

Hostages' mothers mark second Mother's Day without their sons

As Mother’s Day nears, Israeli mothers of hostages held in Gaza plead for international pressure and renewed diplomatic efforts to bring their children home after 580 days in captivity.

Hostages' mothers mark second Mother's Day without their sons

Tamir Nimrodi among hostages whose fate is unknown

Since the October 7th Massacre, no sign of life was received from Tamir Nimrodi.

Tamir Nimrodi among hostages whose fate is unknown

Terrorist who abducted 87-year-old woman eliminated

Muhammad Rasmi Marzouq Barakeh, a terrorist in the military intelligence of Hamas, infiltrated Israel during the October 7th Massacre and participated in the abduction of Yaffa Adar.

Terrorist who abducted 87-year-old woman eliminated

President Herzog:

'The message of WWII could not be clearer than it is today'

President Isaac Herzog tweeted for V-E Day, urging the world not to forget the sacrifice and message of those who fought the Nazis.

'The message of WWII could not be clearer than it is today'

Israeli source:

21 hostages alive, concerns for lives of 1 Israeli, 2 foreigners

Israeli source says families of the three hostages from whom signs of life were not received were informed of concerns for their loved ones' welfare early on in the war.

21 hostages alive, concerns for lives of 1 Israeli, 2 foreigners

'You Honored a Denier':

Released hostage slams Pulitzer Prize committee

Emily Damari, held captive for 471 days, blasts the Pulitzer Prize board for awarding journalist Mosab Abu Toha, accusing him of denying her abduction and the murder of Israeli hostages.

Released hostage slams Pulitzer Prize committee

Released hostage reflects on strengthened faith during captivity

Former hostage Omer Shemtov shares his spiritual journey and unwavering resolve, even when pressured to carry out attacks.

Released hostage reflects on strengthened faith during captivity

Senior Hamas official:

'Talks underway for partial deal with Israel'

The Hamas terror organization claims it will not agree to a partial deal with Israel that does not include a cessation of the war in the Gaza Strip.

'Talks underway for partial deal with Israel'

Netanyahu:

'We know for sure that 21 hostages are alive'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the number of living hostages and admitted that the situation of three of them is unknown.

'We know for sure that 21 hostages are alive'

In Washington, D.C.:

Advisers to MKs and ministers sing with hostage's parents

Advisers to haredi MKs and ministers sing 'Ani Maamin' together with parents of hostage Matan Angrest, who is held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Watch.

Advisers to MKs and ministers sing with hostage's parents

Trump:

'There are only 21 living hostages remaining in Gaza'

President Trump tells reporters three hostages in Gaza have died, lowering the total number of living hostages to 21. Coordinator for Hostages and Missing Gal Hirsch clarifies: 59 hostages are being held by Hamas, 24 of them are listed as living hostages.

'There are only 21 living hostages remaining in Gaza'

Amb. Huckabee to captivity survivor:

I was deeply moved by your smile

Ambassador Huckabee speaks about Omer's deep connection to the Jewish people and faith, 'G-d resides within you. You are stronger than the hatred that surrounded you for 505 days.”

I was deeply moved by your smile

Shema Yisrael:

Released hostage: 'My faith gave me immense strength'

Hostage survivor Eli Sharabi participated in an event to give thanks for his release, 'The first thing I said when they took me captive was Shema Yisrael.'

Released hostage: 'My faith gave me immense strength'

Netanyahu thanks Putin for helping free Sasha Troufanov

Israeli Premier speaks by phone with Russian President to mark Victory in Europe Day this week.

Netanyahu thanks Putin for helping free Sasha Troufanov

Father of Hostage:

'Trump administration has a score to settle with Hamas as well'

The father of hostage Itay Chen says that Donald Trump and his administration believe that the hostages are an American issue too, with many Americans among the hostages.

'Trump administration has a score to settle with Hamas as well'

'Shoot me'

Omer Shem-Tov's horrific account from captivity

Captivity survivor Omer Shem-Tov reveals that Hamas demanded that he blow up IDF soldiers, but he refused and was willing to give his life.

Omer Shem-Tov's horrific account from captivity

Witkoff:

'Iran talks progressing, hostage deal a priority'

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff says nuclear talks with Iran are “moving in the right direction,” expresses hope for a breakthrough on a Gaza hostage deal ahead of President Trump’s regional visit.

'Iran talks progressing, hostage deal a priority'

IDF statement contradicts Netanyahu's policy

The IDF Spokesperson stated that the primary goal for the IDF was to recover the hostages, contrary to previous declarations by Prime Minister Netanyahu, who placed defeating Hamas as the top priority.

IDF statement contradicts Netanyahu's policy

Netanyahu

'We're going to defeat Hamas, this will bring back the hostages'

Prime Minister publishes video address explaining decision to intensify the fighting in Gaza, stating a commission of inquiry into the failures of October 7 should begin only at the end of the war.

'We're going to defeat Hamas, this will bring back the hostages'

Ben-Gvir:

'Humanitarian aid for voluntary emmigration'

Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared today: 'As long as our hostages are languishing in the tunnels, there is no need to send aid to Gaza through any channel.'

'Humanitarian aid for voluntary emmigration'

President of Ecuador visits the Western Wall

President of Ecuador visits the Western Wall, wearing the hostages' pin on his lapel; expresses his unequivocal support for Israel and the Jewish people.

President of Ecuador visits the Western Wall

Hostage's mother calls to disobey reserve call ups

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, calls to refuse reserve call ups for moral reasons.

Hostage's mother calls to disobey reserve call ups

'Sealing their fate': Gafni blasts Smotrich

The chairman of Degel HaTorah, MK Moshe Gafni, blasts Minister Bezalel Smotrich on the issue of the hostages, claiming that their return is the most important matter at present.

'Sealing their fate': Gafni blasts Smotrich