Hostages in Gaza

Bridges of Hope:

Official logo unveiled for Israel’s 77th Independence Day

'Logo is a declaration that despite our differences and pain, a profound unity binds us together,' Independence Day organizer Minister Miri Regev says.

Captain Omer Neutra's Way

Road in Long Island named for abducted fallen soldier

Manetto Hill Road in Plainview was renamed Captain Omer Neutra's Way, commemorating the late Captain Omer Neutra, an American-Israeli citizen whose body is being held by Hamas.

Family of hostage:

'He has a name, bring him home'

The family of hostage Omri Miran, who holds Hungarian citizenship, criticized Prime Minister Netanyhau for referring to him as 'the Hungarian hostage.'

Hamas video appears on basketball league website

A few hours after the publication of the most recent sign of life by Hamas, the video appeared on the website of the Premier League for basketball.

Captivity survivor Omer Wenkert:

For 505 days, I was starved, humiliated, and beaten

Hamas captivity survivor Omer Wenkert speaks of his time in captivity. 'I was held in extreme conditions in a narrow tunnel with a waste pit beside me.'

Sign of life from Maxim Herkin and Bar Kupershtein

Hamas releases first sign of life from hostages Maxim Herkin and Bar Kupershtein, who were kidnapped from the October 7 massacre.

Terrorist who kidnapped Bibas family eliminated in Gaza

IDF and Shin Bet announce that terrorist Mohammed Hassan Mohammed Awad, who infiltrated Nir Oz on October 7 and was likely personally involved in the abductions and brutal murders of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, was eliminated.

Orange butterfly named in honor of Ariel Bibas

Academy of the Hebrew Language renames orange butterfly Melitaea ornata in memory of Ariel Bibas, who was murdered with his mother and brother in Hamas captivity.

Trump:

'I'd like to get as many hostages as we can'

President Trump says he aims to free as many Gaza hostages as possible, notes the progress in hostage releases since his involvement.

Sasha Troufanov prays at Lubavitcher Rebbe’s resting place

After 498 days of captivity in Gaza, Alexander "Sasha" Troufanov visits the US, beginning his journey at Chabad World Headquarters in Brooklyn, praying at the Rebbe’s Ohel and reflecting on his captivity.

Hostages' father shares moving moment with special needs children

During the emotional meeting, one of the students at ALEH’s special education school approached Tzvika Mor and handed him a gift to give his son Eitan when he returns from Hamas captivity.

Sa'ar to French counterpart:

War can end tomorrow, it's simple: hostages back, Hamas out

Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar met with French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot and discussed Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the hostages in Gaza.

'He was lynched'

Family of hostage Matan Angrest to reveal footage from kidnapping

Family of kidnapped IDF soldier Matan Angrest says they will publish footage of his kidnapping. 'We have no choice, we need to prove that he is in danger of his life.'

Hamas will not respond to Israel’s ceasefire counter-proposal

Hamas declines to engage with Israel’s ceasefire counter-proposal, reaffirming its commitment to a plan brokered by Egypt and Qatar.

Senior Hamas official: We are ready to release Israeli hostages

Suhail al-Hindi, a member of Hamas's political bureau, conveys a positive message regarding the organization's willingness to advance a deal with Israel.

Chief of Staff in Gaza:

'The only thing that can stop us is the release of our hostages!'

IDF Chief of Staff LTG Eyal Zamir and ISA Director Ronen Bar visited the Tel al-Sultan area of the Gaza Strip, where they met with field commanders and were briefed on operational readiness.

'Changing gears'

Netanyahu: 'We are taking control of the Morag Corridor in Gaza'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will continue increasing the pressure on Hamas until all the hostages are returned.

The abductee who tried to flee as terrorists took him to Gaza

Survivor of Hamas captivity Eliya Cohen revealed for the first time that Raz Bokovza jumped from the terrorists' pickup truck and was shot dead.

Senior intelligence officer:

Military action led to hostage release deal

Senior intelligence officer reports to Defense Committee on IDF's actions to pressure Hamas into releasing more hostages, tensions in Persian Gulf.

Michael Rapaport:

'I will continue to fight on behalf of Jews'

In interview with i24NEWS, Jewish American actor Michael Rapaport shares his emotional meeting with freed hostage Yarden Bibas, condemns the hypocrisy surrounding the conflict and expresses solidarity with Jews worldwide, vowing to continue fighting for Israel.

Hostage's family's message:

'You will celebrate your next birthday with us'

On the birthday of Bar Kupershtein, who is still held in Gaza, his family appeals to Prime Minister Netanyahu to prioritize the hostages' return.

Testimony of Eliya Cohen:

Torture, starvation, and abuse in Hamas tunnels

Hostage survivor Eliya Cohen recounts the brutal abuse he endured at the hands of terrorists, the hostage who tried to escape and was murdered, and the moment he discovered his girlfriend was still alive.

Watch:

Melania Trump gives Amit Soussana Women of Courage Award

First Lady Melania Trump awards former Israeli hostage Amit Soussana the International Women of Courage award for her bravery in being the first hostage to speak of the sexual assault she survived while being held captive.

Families of hostages to receive support after hostages' release

The Knesset has approved a bill to grant families of released hostages medical and psychological support for an additional period after their loved ones return.

A former hostage's advice:

Securing the release of the hostages

A different result requires a different plan. A plan of maximum pressure where the evil monsters realize that it is in their best interest to surrender and release all the remaining hostages at once unharmed. Opinion.

Where is the Red Cross now?

The Red Cross makes no mention of the hostages and appears not to care. Opinion.

Israel's proposal:

11 living hostages freed on day 1, 40 days of ceasefire

While Israel awaits Hamas's response, the IDF is implementing a plan to expand Israel's security control in the Gaza Strip. 'Peak of military pressure on Hamas.'

Hamas captivity survivors take off for US

Delegation of released hostages and relatives of hostages still held in Gaza takes off for ten-day trip to the US.

Tal Shoham:

'I really fear that Guy and Evyatar are alone'

Captivity survivor Tal Shoham speaks to “60 Minutes” about the time he spent in captivity with Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David: They are not children, but from time to time, I felt like a father. I really, really fear that they are now alone.

Keith Siegel:

'My mind is still there, thinking about who's left behind'

Captivity survivors Keith and Aviva Siegel speak to CBS’ “60 Minutes”. Keith: After Aviva was released, the terrorists became very mean, and very cruel, and violent. They were beating me and starving me.

Yarden Bibas recalls:

'The terrorists told me I’d get a better wife and better kids'

“60 Minutes” airs the full interview with captivity survivor Yarden Bibas: My best friend, David Cunio, is still held in captivity. I lost my wife and kids. Sharon must not lose her husband.

Ministers demand to cut all power to Gaza

As part of a security consultation last night, Security Cabinet ministers called to cut off all power to Gaza to increase pressure for a deal.

Anti-Israel President to Hamas:

'Release the hostage Elkana Bohbot'

The President of Colombia, who has cut diplomatic ties with Israel, called on Hamas to release dual Israeli-Colombian citizen Elkana Bohbot.

Yarden Bibas to 60 Minutes:

'I'm here because of Trump'

In his first interview after being released from Hamas captivity, Yarden Bibas calls on the US President to stop the fighting and bring home the remaining hostages.

Hamas shows flexibility but refuses to disarm

Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, says that Hamas has agreed to most mediator demands, but will not surrender its weapons.

Hostage's wife cries out:

'I want my husband home, not on a video'

Rebecca Bohbot, wife of hostage Elkana, whose videos have been published in recent days, is disappointed that no government officials have contacted her, 'Where is the State?'

Netanyahu:

'Military pressure on Hamas is working'

At the start of the cabinet meeting, PM Netanyahu hit back against the allegations against him on the conduct of the war and the efforts to return the hostages.

Outside Minister Dermer's home:

Prayers for return of the hostages

Hostage Families Forum held prayers outside Minister Dermer's home on the Jewish new month. Ben Zussman's father: 'We are praying for the return of the hostages and ask Minister Dermer to do his best to help.'

NYC police precinct council president tears down hostage posters

Upper West Side residents call for dismissal of president of civilian-police community group following his 'overt hatred' displayed by tearing down only posters of Israeli hostages,

Mother of hostage demands:

'One deal – no selections, no delays'

Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan, warns: "We’re going back to a process of selection. The hostages are abandoned. The deal must include everyone – now."

Michael Rapaport at TA Rally:

'A piece of my heart lives here'

Comedian Michael Rappaport spoke to a rally of hostages' families in Tel Aviv and emphasized that he could not possibly stay silent in the face of the hostility he had witnessed against Jews in Israel and around the world.

Netanyahu's conversation with the parents of Alon Ohel

Kobi and Idit Ohel spoke on the phone with the Prime Minister after they contacted him in an urgent open letter.

Israel passes counter-proposal for ceasefire to mediators

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds series of meetings following receipt of Hamas' ceasefire offer, counter-offer passed to mediators.

IDF and ISA:

Remains of hostage Manny Goddard found in Gaza

Israeli forces located remains of hostage Manny Menachem Goddard, did not succeed in retrieving body.

Israel demanding 10 living hostages; Hamas insists on only 5

Egyptian sources say Hamas agreed to release five Israeli hostages, including dual citizen Edan Alexander and four others, some of whom are alive.

Hamas publishes additional video of hostage Elkana Bohbot

Hamas publishes additional sign of life from hostage Elkana Bohbot, who has been in captivity for 540 days.

Report:

Hamas in talks to release hostages for Eid al-Fitr ceasefire

Hamas reportedly discussing the release of several hostages in exchange for a ceasefire during the Eid al-Fitr holiday and the days following it.

Released hostage to be honored by USA

Former hostage Amit Soussana will be honored with the prestigious International Women of Courage Award, presented by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in the presence of First Lady Melania Trump.

Auburn coach:

'Calling for hostage release is about human life, not politics'

Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl says that his recent call for the release of American hostage Edan Alexander is not about politics: It’s not political. It’s survival.

Report:

US presented Hamas with new proposal for hostage release

Axios report: The United States presented Hamas with a new proposal through Qatari mediators in an effort to secure the release of hostage Edan Alexander and break the deadlock in ceasefire negotiations. Hamas has yet to respond.

‘Terrorist was unstable’

The chilling story of Omer Wenkert from captivity

Omer Wenkert meets with the brothers of Evyatar David and Guy Gilboa-Dalal and tells them about the harsh conditions in captivity: "The captor had a psychotic episode and beat us severely."

Hamas captivity survivor:

'I had to fight every moment to survive and to not lose hope'

Ilana Gritzewsky shares her deeply personal testimony about her kidnapping, her recovery and the fight for a deal to bring Matan and 58 other hostages home.

Sa’ar:

'Israel won’t wait forever on hostage deal with Hamas'

Foreign Minister reiterates that Israel remains committed to negotiating a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, but it will not wait forever: “Israel will no longer tolerate the ongoing threat to its security and civilians from Gaza."

After year and a half in captivity:

Or Levy recounts the moment he met his son

Captivity survivor Or Levy speaks in a film set to air on Channel 13 on Thursday about the moment he met his son after a year and a half in captivity and the moment he realized his wife had been murdered in the massacre.

After 483 days:

Captivity survivors fulfill their promise from the Gaza tunnel

Omer Wenkert and Liam Or, who were released from Hamas captivity, visit the beach together, as they had planned during their time in the tunnels. "483 days later, our big moment has arrived."

In Germany

Captivity survivor criticizes Red Cross

Ohad Ben Ami, who was released in the most recent hostage deal, arrives at the German Parliament and meets with the German President: "I ask you to help us bring everyone home."

Netanyahu:

'Israel has become a fact of life for the Arab states'

Prime Minister Netanyahu reviews the dramatic changes the war has brought about so far across the Middle East.

Netanyahu speaks with family of hostage Elkana Bochbot

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with the family of the hostage Elkana Bochbot following the Hamas video showing him to be alive.

Hostage's father:

'It's harder than burying a child'

Father of Yosef-Haim Ohana, who is being held hostage in Gaza, shares: 'I spend the nights praying. I dream that my son has been released and our family is happy.'

Captivity survivor:

'Division in the nation gives strength to our enemies'

Omer Shem Tov, released after 505 days in Hamas captivity, calls for unity in Israel during meeting with President Herzog: 'They talk about how we are destroying ourselves from within.'