Hostages in Gaza

Watch: Captivity survivor Eitan Mor lights Hanukkah candles

Hamas captivity survivor Eitan Mor lights Hanukkah candles with Israel's 'Meet the Press,' led by journalists Amit Segal and Daphna Liel.

Turning Point Conference:

Omer Shem Tov reveals the Psalm that helped him in captivity

When there was nothing else left to hold on to in the tunnels of Gaza, Omer Shem Tov found a card with a Psalm that gave him strength to survive.

Segev Kalfon recalls: How I sewed kippahs in captivity

Former hostage Segev Kalfon recounts the harrowing moments in the tunnels - sewing kippahs for fellow captives from a torn galabiya - and his longing for his parents’ bakery during Hanukkah.

Hostage's sister to UN

'Don't leave my brother' behind

Shira Gvili, the sister of Ran Gvili, the last hostage still being held in Gaza, came to the UN today to say that Ran must return home now.

Watch: Freed hostages come full circle in moving candle-lighting

Brodetz family experiences emotional moment at Schneider Children's Medical Center, lighting Hanukkah candles in the same room where they were hospitalized following their release from Hamas captivity.

Einav Zangauker:

'I want to be among the country’s decision-makers'

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan was freed from Hamas captivity after two years, speaks about the possibility of entering politics: “We will not sit quietly and wait for elections.”

'Ran Gvili. He's still there!'

Trump forgets hostage in Gaza, bereaved father calls him out

During a Hanukkah reception at the White House, President Trump said all hostages had been returned from Gaza, before a bereaved father noted that Ran Gvili remains held by Hamas.

'We got all of them'

Trump honors hostages at White House Hanukkah celebration

At a White House Hanukkah party, Trump praises hostage families; Ronen Neutra, father of deceased hostage Omer, reminds everyone that Ran Gvili remains in Gaza.

Shin Bet Director:

Abduction threat increased due to hostage deal

Shin Bet Director David Zini warned that terror organizations were motivated by the hostage deal to continue abducting Israelis.

Ex-hostage Eli Sharabi meets Biden, thanks him for his support

Former hostage Eli Sharabi meets Joe Biden at a Philadelphia Eagles game, thanking him for efforts in hostage release and support for Israel.

Ex-hostage Omer Shem Tov:

'Trump’s victory struck fear in Hamas tunnels'

Omer Shem Tov, held 505 days by Hamas, says Trump’s election struck fear in captors: “I saw the fear in their eyes.”

Netanyahu:

'Safest place in the world for Jewish people is Israel'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara light first Hanukkah candle with Israel Police officers, family of last remaining hostage Ran Gvili. 'Safest place for Jewish people is where the government, army, & security forces will defend them.'

Captivity survivors

'We stand with the Jewish community, you stood with us'

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed solidarity with the Australian Jewish community following the deadly mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney.

Former hostages to Netanyahu:

'Establish a state commission of inquiry or step down'

On the 800th day since the October 7 massacre, some 200 former hostages and families of hostages call on the Prime Minister to establish a state commission of inquiry or vacate his position.

Testimony from captivity: The terrorist and the propaganda

Eitan Mor, who returned from captivity in Gaza, reveals that a Hamas interrogator asked him for advice on how to draw more people to the Saturday night demonstrations at Hostages Square.

Footage of the Beautiful Six

Captivity survivor Eliya Cohen: 'It burns the heart'

Former hostage Eliya Cohen watches footage of six hostages murdered in captivity, tells of his parting from three of them. 'The terrorists told Ori, Almog, and Hersh that they were going home to their mothers.'

Hamas terror group passes the buck

Hamas sources claim fallen Yasam officer Ran Gvili was buried in eastern Gaza but cannot be located due to the elimination of those involved.

Israel hands mediators names, maps to locate Ran Gvili

Israel gives mediators names of Islamic Jihad terrorists and maps to locate Ran Gvili, stressing no progress in talks or deal will occur until his return.

Last hostage’s father:

'For me, until I get him back - he is alive'

Families gather for Shabbat at Hostages Square, vowing not to forget Ran Gvili, the last remaining hostage.

How Pinocchio encouraged Yosef Haim in captivity

Yosef Haim Ohana told Kan Reshet Bet that the Pinocchio theme song became his daily source of strength in Hamas captivity, offering light amid torture, starvation and fear.

Eitan Mor recounts:

'I accepted the fact that I will die in Gaza, it helped me live'

In an interview with Makor Rishon, former hostage Eitan Mor details his abduction, the severe starvation in Hamas tunnels, and the moments of faith that helped him survive.

The full documentation:

How the six hostages held on to hope

Additional footage found in the Gaza Strip shows the six hostages who were murdered in the tunnel, embracing, wishing each other a Happy New Year, playing games, cutting hair, and lighting Hanukkah candles.

'The Beautiful Six'

Families of the six hostages reflect on Hanukkah captivity video

The families of six murdered hostages share an emotional response to footage showing their loved ones lighting Hanukkah candles in captivity, emphasizing their strength, unity, and humanity.

Israeli officials

'We're investigating leads on the burial location of Ran Gvili'

Israeli security officials have begun looking into initial leads on Ran Gvili's burial site, saying phase 2 of the ceasefire agreement depends on his return.

Chilling video

6 hostages light Hanukkah candles in captivity

Newly published footage reveals the six hostages who were murdered in August 2024 lighting Hanukkah candles and singing in a captivity tunnel in Rafah.

Maxim Herkin undergoes circumcision after release from Gaza

Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, blessed Herkin and gave him the name Zalman‑Zelig in memory of his maternal grandfather. At the same ceremony, he also put tefillin on him for the first time.

Shocking:

Father of Noa Marciano reveals how she was murdered

Avi Marciano, the father of IDF lookout Noa Marciano, who was abducted from the shelter at the Nahal Oz outpost on October 7, recounts for the first time how his daughter was murdered in Hamas captivity.

Times Square campaign

'We do not forget Ran Gvili for a single moment'

Israeli Consulate in New York launches a campaign for the release of the last hostage held by Hamas. Akunis: “We do not forget Ran Gvili, a hero of Israel, for a single moment.”

Chilling footage

Six hostages light Hanukkah candles in Hamas captivity

New recordings to be revealed on the TV program “Uvda” will provide a glimpse into the lives of six hostages before they were murdered in Hamas captivity during the war.

Eitan Mor's first account of captivity

Captivity survivor Eitan Mor tonight (Tuesday) publicly recounted for the first time the two difficult years he spent in Hamas captivity.

Israel bids farewell to slain Thai hostage Sudthisak Rinthalak

A ceremony was held at Ben Gurion Airport ahead of the repatriation of the body of Sudthisak Rinthalak, who was murdered by Hamas terrorists near Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7th and abducted to the Gaza Strip.

US Ambassador meets family of last remaining hostage

Ambassadors Mike Waltz and Danny Danon met with the family of Ran Gvili, the last hostage held captive by Hamas since the October 7 terror attacks.

Captivity survivor in Italy:

'Islamic Jihad murdered me mentally every single day'

Rom Braslavski, survivor of Hamas captivity, tells a conference of Italy’s ruling party about the October 7 massacre and his trauma in captivity: "I saw young and beautiful women riddled with bullets."

After car break-in:

Bar Kupershtein’s stolen phone returned

The mobile phone of captivity survivor Bar Kupershtein, stolen overnight from his car, located and returned with the help of a friend using a tracking app.

'I'm coming, thief!'

Captivity survivor's car broken into overnight

Ex-hostage Bar Kupershtein shared that his car had been broken into and his phone stolen, but noted that he was looking at the positive side.

Ran Gvili's sister

'I don't want to be the next Ron Arad family'

Shira Gvili called on decision-makers to keep their promise and return her brother - the last hostage still held in Gaza.

Israel believes terror groups know where Ran Gvili Is buried

Israel estimates that a new lead has been found that could lead to identifying the burial place of Gvili, the last remaining hostage in Gaza.

Families of hostages urge:

'No next phase until Ran Gvili comes home'

Hostage families, survivors, and relatives gathered in Sha’ar Hanegev, Carmei Gat, and Meitar, urging Israelis to rally behind the return of Ran Gvili and stressing that 'final stretch' must end with no hostage left behind.

Israel to mediators: Hamas knows where body of last hostage is

Israel sends message to mediators, stressing that Hamas, Islamic Jihad, know where the body of Yasam officer Ran Gvili is located, and that Hamas can access it.

Last hostage’s sister:

'Do not proceed to Phase 2 until Rani is home'

Crowds at Hostages Square mark Shabbat with prayers and pleas for Ran Gvili, the last hostage in Gaza. His sister Shira urges unity and faith, demanding his return: “Until the last hostage, until Rani is home.”

Delegation flies to Cairo to secure release of final hostage

Mediators agree to focus on an intensive and immediate effort that will lead to the full completion of the mission regarding the hostages and the missing.

'Faith kept me alive':

Omer Shem Tov receives award in emotional Jerusalem ceremony

Omer Shem Tov, who was held captive by Hamas for 505 days, honored with Friends of Zion's 'Here Am I' award for Israel advocacy activity.

Body of slain hostage Sudthisak Rinthalak returned to Israel

Prime Minister's Office announces that the body of deceased hostage Sudthisak Rinthalak has been returned to Israel. Gaza terror groups are still holding the body of Yassam officer Ran Gvili.

Emotional:

Former hostage Omer Shem Tov sings 'Shir LaMa’alot'

Watch: Former hostage Omer Shem Tov sings “Shir LaMa’alot” before more than 1,000 Christian religious leaders from the United States.

Watch:

Edan Alexander dons an IDF uniform

A thousand Christian leaders visiting with FOZ heard powerful testimony from captivity survivors, including Edan Alexander, who wore his IDF uniform publicly for the first time since his release.

PM’s Office:

Remains transferred to Israel not of any deceased hostages

Remains transferred to Israel by Gaza terror groups not linked to any of the deceased hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announces.

Captivity survivors speak:

'Waking up and seeing a bed, not a tunnel - it’s paradise'

At the Israel Hayom Conference in New York, Hamas captivity survivors Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David describe horrific tunnel conditions, abuse, and survival. They praise Trump’s role in their release.

Hamas: Body of slain hostage handed over to Israel

Red Cross to hand over remains found in Gaza, but it is unknown if they belong to a hostage.

‘Chained like an animal’:

Alon Ohel reveals life inside Hamas captivity

In a Channel 12 interview, survivor Alon Ohel detailed two years of torture, starvation, and resilience in Hamas captivity, crediting hope and fellow hostage Eli Sharabi for his survival.

Israel clarifies:

Return of deceased hostage's body not expected today

Following expectation that body of deceased hostage would be returned to Israel at 5:00 p.m., mediators report transfer will not happen today.

Released hostage's requests when he got home

When released hostage Yosef Chaim Ohana finally returned to his home, he asked for two things - to put on Tefilin and for his mother's couscous.

In Miami

Famed tenor Andrea Bocelli hosts freed hostage Segev Kalfon

International tenor Andrea Bocelli hosts freed Hamas hostage Segev Kalfon at his Miami home, singing and offering encouragement.

Rom Braslavski returns to the soccer pitch

Captivity survivor Rom Braslavski makes his long-anticipated return to Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium and is welcomed by a sell-out crowd of Beitar fans.

'Be gentle'

After returning from captivity, Alon Ohel returns to Instagram

Alon Ohel uploaded his first post on Instagram since returning from Hamas captivity in October, announcing his return to the platform.

'Since you left, a lot has changed'

Watch: The haunting performance at Dror Or's funeral

Israeli singer Ehud Banai performs a moving rendition of 'Blues Kna'ani' at the funeral of Dror Or, whose body was returned from Hamas captivity.

Yosef Haim Ohana returns home

Captivity survivor Yosef Haim Ohana finally returns home after completing rehabilitation at the Kfar Maccabiah resort in Ramat Gan.

Kibbutz Be'eri:

Dror Or, whose body was returned from Gaza, is laid to rest

Large crowds attend funeral of Dror Or, murdered and abducted on October 7, whose body was returned to Israel last week.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin

'I would ask Rabbi Sacks if he had found Hersh yet'

Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s parents captivate London audience with message of hope at the Fifth Annual Sacks Conversation. 'I would ask Rabbi Sacks if he could teach Hersh some of what he taught me.'

Father of last Israeli hostage:

Hamas is toying with us and torturing us

Father of Yasam officer Ran Gvili, the only Israeli hostage whose body is still held in Gaza, speaks at Hostages Square, demanding Israel not move to second stage, rebuild Gaza, until his son's body is returned to Israel.

Last Israeli hostage's mother: Don't move to stage 2 of ceasefire

Talik Gvili, mother of Ran Gvili, the only Israeli fallen hostage still held by terrorist groups in Gaza, says she asked Prime Minister Netanyahu not to proceed with the next phase of the ceasefire deal until her son is brought home.