Hostages in Gaza

Ohad Ben-Ami to hostages:

With G-d's help, you'll be released soon

Ohad Ben-Ami, released from Hamas captivity, sends a video message to those still hostage during a Families Forum protest in Tel Aviv.

'A gift for his wife'

Terrorists told Sagui of daughter's birth, gave gift for his wife

Terrorists told hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen of his daughter's birth while he was in captivity, gave him earrings to give his wife as a gift; Sasha Troufanov was informed in captivity of his father Vitaly's death, and burst into tears.

'She's such a strong woman'

Sasha meets his mother, and his girlfriend Sapir

Watch: Sasha Troufanov reunites with his mother, Yelena, and his partner Sapir Cohen at the initial reception point in Israel.

'Wow, you're a champ!'

Yair Horn meets his father in the hospital

Yair Horn meets mother Ruth and brother Amos at the initial reception point in Israel, and afterwards meets his father Yitzhak at Ichilov Hospital. Watch.

Sagui hears his infant daughter's name for the first time

After 498 days in Hamas captivity, family of hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen watches his release from his wife Avital's apartment in Carmei Gat, and from the town of Gvaot Bar.

Moving:

'Thanks for watching over me, Daddy is on the way'

Watch the moving moments when released hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen meets his family, and as he makes his way to an IDF helicopter. 'Bari, Gali, and Shachar - thanks for watching over me, Daddy is on his way.'

After nearly 500 days:

Iair, Sagui, and Sasha are back in Israel

Sagui Dekel-Chen was informed of his daughter's birth, Sasha Troufanov of the murder of his father Vitaly. All three have arrived in hospitals in central Israel.

Trump:

'I would take a hard stance on Gaza'

Ahead of release of three hostages by Hamas scheduled for Saturday, US President says he would take a hard stance on Gaza, but is not sure what Israel will do.

Due to pneumonia

Released hostage Ofer Calderon readmitted to hospital

Ofer Calderon, who was released from captivity two weeks ago, readmitted to Sheba Hospital after contracting the flu which developed into pneumonia. His family says his condition is improving and he is expected to be discharged soon.

Chief of Staff to IDF lookouts:

'I am very sorry for everything you went through'

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi meets four of the five IDF lookouts who were recently freed from Hamas captivity, apologizes to them for the fact that their warnings before October 7 were ignored, as well as for their lengthy captivity.

Captivity survivor Or Levy visits Hostages Square

Or spoke about how despite learning the terrible news of his wife's murder, 'I promised her every day I was there that I would keep going and I would be tough for her.'

Israel backs down:

Sagui, Sasha, and Yair to be released on Saturday

Despite Israel's threat earlier in the week calling for the release of all hostages by Saturday at noon, Israel accepted Hamas's notification that it will release only three hostages, among them, US and Russian citizens.

Keith Siegel to Trump:

'You are the reason I am home alive, please bring the rest home'

Released hostage Kieth Siegel releases a video thanking President Trump for securing his release from Hamas captivity, asking the President to free the remaining hostages.

Hostage's father slams Netanyahu:

'Implement Trump's ultimatum, there won't be another chance'

Yaron Or, the father of Avinatan Or, who is celebrating his 32nd birthday today in Hamas captivity, called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to demand the return of all the hostages tomorrow and not abandon the dozens of remaining hostages to starvation and torture.

Hostage families to Trump:

'Thank you, keep going. Our hope rests in you'

Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters praises President Trump for securing the release of American hostages and prisoners such as Marc Fogel, express hope for the release of their loved ones.

Hamas confirms:

Negotiations on phase 2 of hostage deal have yet to begin

Hamas spokesperson claims the organization is ready to release hostages on Saturday if Israel fulfills its commitments. Senior Hamas official confirms that negotiations on phase 2 have not yet begun.

Agam Berger's father:

'The girls prayed and tried to keep Shabbat in captivity'

Shlomi Berger, the father of Agam Berger, who was released from Hamas captivity two weeks ago, speaks with Arutz Sheva about the readjustment to normal life and freedom.

Sign of life received from Hamas hostage Segev Kalfon

The family of Segev Kalfon, who was abducted from the Nova Music Festival announced that it has received a sign of life from him.

'Bring him home'

Francesca Albanese demands release of Hamas-linked hospital chief

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who called demands that Hamas release the hostages, including the Bibas children, 'unacceptable,' demands release of hospital director accused of being a Hamas colonel using language associated with the campaign for the hostages.

Hamas confirms:

Three hostages will be released Saturday, as per original deal

In official statement, Hamas terror group confirms deal is still on, says additional hostages will be released Saturday.

'Efrat says hello'

The terrorists' abuse of Gadi Mozes

81-year-old Gadi Mozes, who was recently freed from captivity in Gaza, endured abuse while being held hostage and discovered, while listening to the news, that the terrorists had lied to him and that his partner, Efrat Katz, had been murdered.

Noa Argamani's call to the nation

Noa Argamani urged that everything possible be done to recover the rest of the hostages immediately.

Hamas official: Hostage release to go on as planned

Hamas official says terror group won't release all hostages on Saturday, but will release hostages in accordance with the agreement already signed, Kan News reports.

Israel examining changes to deal with Hamas

Following testimonies from released hostages, Israel weighs option to demand Hamas expand list of hostages to be released in first stage of deal, due to concerns for their health.

Sign of life from hostage Eitan Mor

Eitan Mor, son of Tzvika and Efrat and the oldest of eight siblings, was born and raised in Kiryat Arba, and moved to Jerusalem after he grew up.

Hamas forced Daniella Gilboa to film her 'death' for propaganda

Daniella Gilboa's mother reveals the terrorist organization forced her to participate in a fake video to make it look like she was killed by IDF fire.

Report:

Hamas leaning toward releasing 3 hostages on Saturday

Terrorist organization continues to demand Israel fulfills "commitments" under ceasefire deal as Israel warns the war will resume if the hostages are not released by Saturday.

Defense Minister Katz:

'If Hamas stops releasing hostages there will be war'

Defense Minister Israel Katz held a security consultation today (Wednesday) in the Operations Directorate's command post and threatened: "The new Gaza war will be different in intensity."

Trump envoy Witkoff:

'Big problem if hostages not released on Saturday'

US President Trump's special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff repeats president's ultimatum that Hamas release the hostages by Saturday or face consequences, says any situation where Hamas rules Gaza is 'unhealthy.'

Meeting King Abdullah:

Trump again demands Hamas release all hostages by Saturday

US President meets Jordanian monarch in Washington, discuss options for allowing people of Gaza to live free of Hamas' tyranny.

WJC, EJC call for immediate, unconditional release of hostages

The World Jewish Congress and its regional affiliate, the European Jewish Congress, call on the international community 'to hold Hamas fully accountable and work toward removing them from power.'

Held in harsh conditions:

Family of hostage Matan Angrest receives evidence of life

Parents of Matan Angrest say they have learned from other hostages who were released recently that Matan is alive and is being held in very harsh conditions because he is an IDF soldier.

Hostage releases on Shabbat - trampling Israel's honor

It is unfortunate that the representatives of the State of Israel did not take heed of the fact that the release of the hostages was done on Shabbat, violating the national sanctity of the day. Honoring Israel’s holy symbols is an essential component in defeating the enemy, and in establishing the Israeli national identity.

Family reveals:

Yarden Bibas was held in moldy tunnels, with almost no food

Ofri Bibas, Yarden's sister, tells of severe conditions in captivity: 'Yarden was in held in moldy tunnels, with almost no food. But he is still smiling.'

Former ISA official:

'Solution to Gaza is to conquer land and control it'

Shalom Ben Hanan, former ISA official, discusses Hamas' threat not to release hostages, says Israel should place pressure on Hamas.

Family of hostage Yosef Ohana:

We received a sign of life from him

Sign of life received from hostage Yosef Haim Ohana, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival during the October 7 massacre. 'We received a sign of life from him, there's a clear indication.'

‘Are you kidding me?’

British journalist floored by activist’s Hamas 'kindness' claims

Pro-Palestinian Arab activist Yvonne Ridley cites Hamas' "goody bags" that were given to freed hostages as examples of Hamas' kindness. Journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer: The hostages must have had a wonderful time at that holiday camp that Hamas ran for them for the last 16 months.

Israel receives first signs of life from seven hostages

Following the recent release of hostages, Israel receives first signs of life from seven hostages; only one is expected to be released in current phase.

Trump:

Judea and Samaria are 'going to work out very well'

US President Donald Trump responds to questions about annexing Judea and Samaria, deadline for hostage release.

'Hostages are Hamas' insurance policy'

Arab affairs analyst says Hamas is 'flexing its muscles' and does not intend to give up leadership of Gaza easily.

Hamas Trump Witkoff Bibi Bibas Hostages Terrorists

Does the Trump-Witkoff-Netanyahu Deal have an unwritten secret annex that Phase Two never will reach fruition? Op-ed.

Smotrich's ultimatum:

Harm a hostage and we'll annex 5% of the Gaza Strip

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls on Israel to set an ultimatum for Hamas if it would continue to delay the release of hostages.

Shlomo Mansour's daughter-in-law:

We hoped he would return in the deal, we received the bad news

Chana Mansour eulogized her father-in-law, who was abducted and murdered by Hamas, and lamented: 'Since he was abducted, a dark cloud has been over us, but we hoped he would be released.'

Hostage's son to Arutz Sheva:

'Despite everything, more hostages will return on Saturday'

Yizhar Lifshitz, whose father, Oded, is being held by terrorists in Gaza, says he believes that despite Hamas's threats, the hostage deal will continue as planned.

IDF:

Shlomo Mansour, 86, was murdered on 10.7, Hamas holding his body

The family of Shlomo Mansour was notified that he was murdered in Hamas captivity on October 7th, 2023. 'He was a father, grandfather, a true friend, and Kissufim's beating heart.'

Family of hostages Gali and Ziv Berman receive sign of life

The family of twin hostages Gali and Ziv Berman sent a message to their kibbutz: 'We know whose hands they are in and how much their lives are at risk.'

Niece of hostage:

'If hostages aren't returned, stop the aid to Gaza'

‎Yael Savariego, niece of hostage Lior Rudaeff whose body is being held in Gaza, demands that aid to Hamas be stopped following the terrorist group’s announcement that it would be suspending the implementation of the hostage deal.

Trump threatens Hamas:

'Release all the hostages by 12:00 p.m. on Saturday'

US President warns Hamas that if all hostages in Gaza are not released by 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, the ceasefire should be cancelled, but leaves the decision to Israel.

Freed hostage's cousin confronts Minister Smotrich

Eyal Calderon, cousin of Ofer Calderon who was freed from Hamas captivity, interrupts Smotrich's remarks during a meeting of the Religious Zionist Party, before being removed by security.

Ben-Gvir proposes law to block aid to Gaza

Itamar Ben-Gvir is pushing for Israel to legally forbid transferring humanitarian supplies to Gaza in response to Hamas suspending the hostage deal.

Released hostage's mother:

'Romi Gonen to undergo complex surgery'

Meirav Leshem-Gonen, mother of released hostage Romi Gonen, says the young women who returned from Hamas captivity 'are not okay, to lose 20% of your weight is not okay.'

Yarden Bibas released from hospital

A week and a half after being released from Hamas captivity, Yarden Bibas is released home from the hospital. 'Path to healing will not be complete until Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir return.'

Psychological terror:

Father of released hostage shares chilling message with Knesset

Father of released hostage Arbel Yehud shares emotional account of psychological tactics used by Hamas: 'I didn’t believe hostages had become a political debate, until I returned to Israel.'

Louis Har recalls the moments of his heroic rescue

Louis Har, rescued from Hamas captivity one year ago, tells Kan Reshet Bet that in those moments, 'I became one of the soldiers.'

Hostage's girlfriend:

'You don't know I'm alive'

Ziv Abud, girlfriend of hostage Eliya Cohen, posted on social media, after hearing released hostages' testimonies: 'You don't know I'm alive.'

Brother of freed hostage:

'Eli's return is the victory of the people of Israel'

Sharon Sharabi, brother of Eli, and Michael Levy, brother of Or, speak about their brothers' conditions one day after they were freed by Hamas.

Trump:

'The three hostages looked like Holocaust survivors'

US President says Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami and Or Levy, who were freed from Hamas captivity "looked like Holocaust survivors” and warns Hamas: At some point, we're going to lose our patience.

Diaspora Minister:

'No more pathetic doormat than the Prime Minister of the UK'

Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli criticized PM Starmer for failing to condemn Hamas in a statement about the released hostage Eli Sharabi's condition.

Captivity survivor's daughter:

'My father went through horrors, it's worse than I thought'

Ella, whose father Ohad Ben-Ami was released from Hamas captivity, delivered remarks: 'We haven't even begun to hear and delve deep into the inferno and hell that he was in.'

Ohad, Or and Eli watched one of the hostages collapse

Terrorists choked the hostages, tied them up, tied their mouths with rope and strangled them, hung them by their legs and burned them with hot objects.