Hostages in Gaza

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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."

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."

'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.

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.

Tamir Nimrodi among hostages whose fate is unknown

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

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.

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.

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.

'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 reflects on strengthened faith during captivity

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.'

Netanyahu thanks Putin for helping free Sasha Troufanov

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

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

'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.

The highest prayer for the hostages in the world

Ten Jewish men set out to carry a Torah scroll more than 6,000 m up the Himalayas to hold the highest prayer for the hostages in the world.

'Victory will bring the hostages'

Netanyahu: We won't give up on victory in Gaza

Netanyahu on the Houthis: 'The US, in coordination with us, is acting against them. It's not boom and finished, but there will be booms.'

Captivity survivor: We returned to life but can't truly heal

Crowd gathers in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, with released hostages recounting their experiences and sharing their pain at the captivity of the remaining hostages.

Psychological terrorism:

Hamas publishes sign of life from hostage Maxim Herkin

The video is Hamas' second of Maxim Herkin, after the terror group publicized a video him Herkin and Bar Kupershtein last month.

King Charles to Herzog:

'Our thoughts and prayers remain with the hostages'

King Charles III sends official letter of congratulations to President Isaac Herzog on the occasion of Israel's 77th Independence Day, expresses solidarity with the people of Israel and acknowledging the ongoing pain of those still held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Hersh's mother reveals shocking details about her son's murder

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin who was murdered while in captivity, speaks to diplomatic staff stationed in Israel, reveals details about her son's murder in a Hamas tunnel.

Trump:

Fewer than 24 hostages are still alive

President Donald Trump said that released hostages told him that 24 hostages were still alive and now it is the number is probably lower.

Captivity survivor:

'I always believed I would return, those still there will return'

Released hostage Omer Shem-Tov speaks at President's Residence ceremony honoring outstanding soldiers. 'I always knew there was someone taking care of me.'

Watch:

Captivity survivor Agam Berger plays violin alongside Dudu Fisher

Captivity survivor Agam Berger plays an ancient violin and accompanies Dudu Fisher during the broadcast of the torchlighting ceremony marking the start of Independence Day celebrations.

Bereaved father:

'We are not families of bereavement, but families of heroism'

'Yom Hazikaron is a day of brokenness, meriting Independence Day,' Rabbi Yoram Eliyahu, father of Sergeant first class (res.) Yedidya Eliyahu, who fell in Gaza, says.

Chilling testimony:

Released hostage eulogizes his wife and two daughters

Released hostage Eli Sharabi eulogizes his wife and two daughters, who were brutally murdered on 10/7 describing their love, humility, and kindness and promising, 'We will never forget you.'

Romi Gonen at her friend's grave:

'In captivity I tried to convince myself you were still alive'

Captivity survivor Romi Gonen parted from her friend Gaya Halifa, who was murdered at the Nova Music festival.

UK press regulator defends claim terrorists are 'hostages'

Independent Press Standards Organisation in the UK dismisses complaint against Scottish newspaper that claimed hundreds of terrorists freed in hostage deal were "hostages."

Hostage survivor joins Israeli singer in emotional song

In a Yom Hazikaron event hostage survivor Sagui Dekel Chen joins Idan Raichel in singing 'Children of Life.'

Netanyahu mentions number of hostages, Sarah whispers ' fewer'

PM's wife whispers 'fewer' after Netanyahu notes 24 hostages still alive, during meeting with Independence Day torchbearers.

Hostages' families warn:

Bodies of deceased hostages could become unrecoverable

A Hostages and Missing Families Forum medical report outlines several risks to the bodies of the deceased hostages still being held in Gaza.

Minister Dermer:

'In 12 months, the war will end, and Israel will win'

Minister for Strategic Affairs responds to questions at a conference in Jerusalem: "Many more countries will want peace with Israel, but the key to that is victory."

Report:

Significant breakthrough in Gaza ceasefire negotiations

Cairo-brokered ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas are reportedly making headway, though disagreements persist.

Yarden Bibas:

'No independence while they are still there'

Released hostage Yarden Bibas posted a sobering message for the approaching Independence Day.

Captivity survivor to Trump:

'I saw tortures taken from the Middle Ages'

Freed hostage Keith Siegel begs US President Donald Trump, 'I saw tortures taken from the Middle Ages, we must bring them all home.'

Hostage's parents:

Alon lost one eye, the other can be saved

The parents of the hostage, Alon Ohel, attacked the international organizations providing aid to Gaza but not caring for their son: 'What country provides medical care to one side, knowing that there are wounded hostages in danger who are not receiving medical care?'

Bereaved father:

Bereaved father talks about his son faith

'My son's mission, apparently, was to save souls from the Jewish Nation,' Rabbi Elchanan Danino, father of Ori, who was murdered in Hamas captivity admits.