Hostages in Gaza

Forensic Institute:

Oded Lifshitz murdered over a year ago

The National Institute of Forensic Medicine identified the body of Oded Lifshitz and found that he was murdered over a year ago in Islamic Jihad captivity.

Russian media echoes Hamas propaganda

Russian state-controlled RT uploaded posts blaming Netanyahu for the deaths of the hostages, calling Hamas terrorists 'resistance fighters.' Israeli Ambassador: 'RT demonstrated not only a lack of professionalism but also antisemitism and pure malice.'

Watch:

Jewish man undergoes circumcision, takes names of Bibas boys

Man in Netanya takes name 'Kfir Ariel' in honor of the two young children who were killed in captivity and whose bodies were finally returned today.

Released hostage Iair Horn discharged from hospital

Iair Horn, who was released from Hamas captivity last Saturday, was discharged from Ichilov Medical Center after completing all required examinations.

Netanyahu:

'The blood of our loved ones cries out to us'

PM says on the return of the bodies of hostages Oded Lifshitz, Shiri Bibas, Ariel Bibas, and Kfir Bibas that Israelis are all united in grief, nation obligated to deal with the murderers of Hamas.

'O God, do not be silent'

The Psalm read over the caskets of the deceased hostages

Considered an national elegy over the invasion of Israel by its neighbors, Chief Rabbi of the IDF, Brigadier General Eyal Krim read Psalm 83.

Coffins of four deceased hostages arrive at forensic institute

The coffins of Shiri Bibas and her sons Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz, have crossed the border into Israel and arrived at the Abu Kabir forensic institute.

'Evil we have not witnessed'

Actor Michael Rapaport slams Hamas ceremony

Jewish actor Michael Rapaport slams Hamas 'release ceremony' held ahead of return of deceased hostages to Israel. 'The show being put on in Gaza is evil we have not witnessed in the modern era.'

Journalist shares:

'We dug with bare hands under fire to locate bodies of hostages'

Journalist Amir Ettinger, who served in the reserves in Gaza, reveals troops' extreme efforts to locate bodies of hostages: 'We dug for hours in the ruins, under fire, trying to find even a small remnant.'

To the sound of Hatikva:

Remains of four deceased hostages arrive at forensic institute

The four coffins were wrapped in Israeli flags by IDF soldiers and brought into Israel; IDF Chief Rabbi Eyal Karim reads Psalms during military ceremony in Gaza.

Watch: Mourning together at Hostages Square

Crowd gathers at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, waving Israeli flags and some wearing orange hats or shirts, in solidarity with the Bibas family.

Hamas to return bodies of Shiri Bibas, her sons and Oded Lifshitz

Handover of Shiri Bibas, her young sons Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz, to begin at approximately 8:00 a.m.

Stefanik after hostage news:

'Never been more important to show our support for Israel'

Elise Stefanik, US Ambassador-Designate to the UN, stresses importance of support for Israel after announcement that the bodies of Shiri Bibas and her young sons Ariel and Kfir will be returned: This must not be Israel’s fight alone but a fight between good and evil.

Agam Berger reveals:

This is how I kept Shabbat and Mitzvot in captivity

Agam Berger, one of the IDF lookouts who was freed from Hamas captivity, meets Rabbanit Tzili Schneider, chairwoman of the "Kesher Yehudi" organization, reveals how she observed Shabbat and the holidays, and fasted on fast days.

Keith Siegel's daughter:

'Dad survived thanks to reciting blessings and Shema Yisrael'

Keith Siegel's daughter, Shir, tells of the strength her father found in the Jewish faith during his time in captivity.

Bereavement amid uncertainty:

Families of deceased hostages face trauma, loss, and neglect

New report reveals severe mental and physical toll on families of deceased hostages. Urgent findings presented in special Zoom briefing with health experts and parents of a hostage.

Bibas family:

'Entire country has become casualty officers knocking on door'

Ofri Bibas, the sister of Yarden Bibas, expressed anger over the publication of the list of names of the four hostages whose bodies will be returned tomorrow without the publication being coordinated with their families.

Netanyahu:

'Tomorrow will be a day of sorrow for Israel'

PM tells nation the return of the bodies of four hostages will be extremely painful. 'The heart of the entire world needs to be torn, because here we see who we are dealing with, what we are dealing with, what monsters we are dealing with.'

Kaddish and Psalms in Gaza:

IDF prepares to receive deceased hostages from Hamas

The IDF will receive the bodies of four slain hostages in the Gaza Strip with a full military ceremony.

Haredi minister to Keith Siegel:

I will continue to support every deal

Construction and Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf meets release hostage Keith Siegel at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, says his thoughts are always with the hostages still in Gaza. 'Your descriptions support what we knew - this is a matter of life-and-death, and about saving lives.'

'I'm ok'

Hostage Nimrod Cohen sent a message to his parents

Yehuda Cohen says his son sent him a message with two hostages who were recently released.

Jewish blood on their hands:

Ari Fuld's murderer to be released

Nael Barghouti, who murdered Mordechai Yekuel in 1978, and Abu Ghanem, convicted of murders of Haim Haviv, Alon Govberg, and Richard Lakin, in 2015, among terrorists to be released in hostage deal.

'Horrific news'

Chris Kenny tears up while reporting on Bibas family hostages

Sky News host Chris Kenny fights tears as he reports on Hamas' announcement that the bodies of Shiri Bibas and young sons Ariel and Kfir will be returned on Thursday.

Romi Gonen shares: Thankful for chance to live my life anew

Romi Gonen, released last month from Hamas captivity, gives thanks for her release and a second chance at life. 'Thankful for the merit of living this life anew, with an appreciation for every little thing.'

500 days in Hamas captivity:

Crowds pray for hostages at national event in Washington, DC

Attendees at national prayer event in Washington, DC give standing ovation as released hostage Noa Argamani calls: 'We have to continue to the second stage and make sure all our loved ones come back.'

Released hostage reveals:

'My brother and I were held together until the last day'

'The only thing I need is for you to bring my brother back,' says released hostage Iair Horn, who was held with his brother Eitan in a Hamas tunnel until his release.

As part of deal:

Gazans suspected of involvement in October 7 to be released

Under the agreement with Hamas, approximately 1,000 Gazans arrested after October 7 will be released, including Gazans who fired rockets, Hamas officials, and a Gaza resident who held hostages.

Senate Majority Leader:

'Imperative that hostages be returned as soon as possible'

Senate Majority Leader John Thune begins his speech at the Capitol with a call for the swift return of the remaining hostages being held by Hamas: I'm grateful that the Trump administration is making this a priority.

Macron supports Bibas family:

'France mobilized for the release of all hostages'

French President shares photo of Bibas family, after Hamas claims that Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas will be returned as part of the release of bodies of hostages: Shiri, Kfir, Ariel. Faces of innocence and love.

IDF asks public not to spread unverified rumors about hostages

The IDF urges the public to rely only on announcements from official sources and to refrain from spreading rumors that harm the families of the hostages and the public.

Minister Ron Dermer to lead negotiations on phase 2 of ceasefire

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer has been appointed to lead Israel's negotiations on the second phase of the hostage deal with Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff.

Families announce:

These 6 hostages will be released on Saturday

The families of Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, Omer Wenkert, Hisham al-Sayed, and Avera Mengistu announce that they will be among the 6 living hostages who will be released this Saturday.

Shiri, Ariel & Kfir:

'We heard reports, haven't received official update'

Bibas family responds to Hamas reports on the return of their loved ones with the dead bodies: 'We haven't received any official update. Until we are certain, our journey will not end.'

Hostage's partner notified he will be released on Saturday

Hostage Eliya Cohen's partner, Ziv, announces she received notification he will be released on Saturday.

Hostage's wife to Hungarian Pres.:

'My daughters need their father'

President Herzog participates in state ceremony in Hungary and, together with Hungarian President, meets family of hostage Omri Miran and Holocaust survivor Aharon Shabo and his family.

Hamas to release 6 living & 4 deceased hostages by Saturday

Khalil al-Haya confirmed that the group has decided to release four bodies on Thursday and to release six hostages on Saturday, in return for the release of the Palestinian prisoners.

Israel's offer to Hamas

Heavy vehicles in return for 6 living hostages by Saturday

A senior Israeli official said that Israel would allow heavy vehicles to enter Gaza for the removal of rubble if Hamas would release six living hostages by Saturday.

Brother of freed hostage:

'Keith is thinking about those who are still in Gaza'

Brother of Keith Siegel, who was released from captivity, speaks about what strengthened his brother's spirit while in captivity, and about his feelings today.

Steve Witkoff:

'We are not leaving anybody behind'

Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East speaks at Miami event marking the closing of exhibit in memory of the victims of the Nova Music Festival, reiterates administration's commitment to securing the release of all the hostages.

Noa Argamani in Miami:

'We have to bring an end to this nightmare'

Noa Argamani, who was rescued from Hamas captivity, speaks at exhibit in Miami in memory of the victims of the Nova Music Festival, calls for implementation of phase 2 of the hostage deal.

Aviva Siegel reveals:

'The terrorist pointed a gun at Keith and threatened to kill him'

Aviva Siegel, wife of freed hostage Keith Siegel, describes at a rally in Tel Aviv the unimaginable suffering of those being held in Gaza.

Poll:

68% support Trump's plan for Gaza

According to a new poll published by Channel 12 News, 68 percent of the Israeli public supports US President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza.

Former hostage Iair Horn:

'I need only 1 thing, bring back my brother and all hostages'

Hamas captivity survivor Iair Horn, who was released this past Saturday, asked to share a video message at the rally currently taking place at the Hostages Square marking 500 days.

First sign of life from hostage David Cunio

Family members of David Cunio say that they received the first sign of life for him from former hostages who were recently released.

Report:

Israel preparing to receive the bodies of 5 hostages this week

The bodies of 5 hostages who were killed in captivity could be returned as early as this Thursday, according to a new report. 3 more hostages are also scheduled for release on Saturday.

'Do a good deed for the hostages'

Agam Berger speaks for first time since her release

After returning from captivity, Agam Berger releases a video calling on the people of Israel to demonstrate unity and do good deeds for the sake of the hostages.

Ohad Ben-Ami to Pres. Herzog:

'We were six people in six meters, 30 meters underground'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog meets freed hostage Ohad Ben-Ami, marking 500 days since the October 7 massacre. 'We have brothers and sisters still there in Gaza, and we want every last one of them home as soon as possible.'

Emily Hand's chilling conversation with AI

Ten-year-old Emily Hand, kidnapped from Kibbutz Be'eri on 10/7 and released in first hostage deal, speaks with AI, 'I haven't returned home yet, how can I think about tomorrow?'

Ofer Calderon's uncle: Hamas stuffed him ahead of his release

Shami Calderon, uncle of released hostage Ofer Calderon, says Hamas terrorists stuffed Ofer ahead of his release in ceasefire deal. 'Three months before his release he weighed 25 kilograms less.'

500 Days of War:

Mother's stickers become protest signs in Jerusalem

Inspired by Rachel Goldberg-Polin's stickers, which became a symbol of hope and remembrance, organization hangs dozens of signs around the capital.

Chief Rabbi of Russia:

'Putin is involved in the efforts to release the hostages'

Rabbi Berel Lazar reveals the depth of the Russian involvement in the hostage crisis and describes the extensive diplomatic efforts led by President Putin.

Watch:

Freed IDF lookouts surprised by Idan Amedi

Chef Orel Lati holds special event for the five IDF lookouts who were recently released from Hamas captivity, featuring singer Idan Amedi.

Former Biden adviser:

'Hamas is the one that blocked hostage deal'

Brett McGurk, who served as White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa during the Biden administration, states in op-ed in The Washington Post that Hamas is directly responsible for the delay in achieving a hostage release deal.

Trump on ultimatum to Hamas:

'Up to Israel what to do next, in consultation with me'

US President comments on the ultimatum he gave to Hamas that it must release all the hostages. "I told Bibi, you do whatever you want...the next step is up to Israel, in consultation with me."

Avital Dekel-Chen:

Shahar saw her father for the first time in real life

Yelena Troufanov says that her son Sasha was shot in both legs on 10/7, 'It is a miracle that he is standing.' Avital Dekel-Chen thanks the people of Israel for their support.

Ex-BBC dir. warns network risks becoming 'Hamas mouthpiece'

Danny Cohen, the former director of BBC Television, slams his former network for drawing equivalence between innocent hostages and freed terrorists, downplaying suffering of hostages.

Colombian President links hostage to solidarity with Palestinians

Colombian President Gustavo Petro links sign of life from Colombian-Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot to his country's solidarity with Palestinian Arabs, posts video with map showing "Palestine" covering the territory of Israel.

Hostage release:

Argentine President praises Trump, calls for Hamas defeat

Argentinian President Javier Milei acknowledges Trump's role in deal that led to release of Argentinian-Israeli citizen Yair Horn, says Argentina hopes for swift resolution to the conflict with "the absolute defeat of Hamas."

Israeli official: We're weighing bringing caravans into Gaza

Israel and the US are pushing for an additional hostage release in the next few days - or the release of all six living hostages next Saturday.

Hostage's mother:

'They are in chains, starving, suffering unimaginable torture'

'I won't stop until we bring you home. I'll do whatever it takes to save you,' hostage Matan Zangauker's mother Einav says at rally.