Hostages in Gaza

'Am Israel chai'

Romi Gonen pens post-captivity post on Instagram

Romi Gonen, released last month from Hamas captivity, pens social media post, says her healing won't be complete until all hostages are home. 'Am Israel chai.'

On the next stages of the hostage deal -- Dai!

Dai, means "enough". It is time to dictate terms to Hamas, not the other way around. Opinion.

Freed IDF lookouts ask to resume their army service

Despite the long captivity, the five female soldiers who were released in the deal decide to return to serve, but not in the role of lookouts.

Romi Gonen's mother:

'This is the reason Romi kept Shabbat after being freed'

Meirav Leshem Gonen, mother of Romi who was freed from Hamas captivity, talks about the use her daughter made and continues to make of Judaism during her captivity and since her return.

Israeli source:

'Trump does not want Hamas in Gaza'

Ahead of meeting between US President and PM Netanyahu Israeli source reports that Israel is willing to consider extending first phase of hostage deal.

New details:

Senior Hamas figure used five women soldiers as a human shield

Liri, Naama, Karina, Daniella, and Agam were held in an apartment in Gaza City by a senior Hamas figure, who used them as a human shield and attempted to encourage them to provide IDF intelligence information.

Hostage's mother to Trump: 'Don't stop, bring them all back'

'I came to D.C. this week to thank President Trump and to caution him about those who seek to destroy the hostage-ceasefire deal that he secured,' Einav, whose son Matan Zangauker was taken hostage, says.

Liri Albag celebrates 20th birthday and shares her wish

IDF lookout Liri Albag, who was released from Hamas captivity last week, celebrated her 20th birthday on Tuesday.

Released Thai hostages reunite with family members

Four out of the five Thai hostages who were released by Hamas last week reunited in Israel with their loved ones.

Netanyahu meets Steve Witkoff

Israel to send delegation to Qatar to discuss hostage deal

Prime Minister's Office says the meeting was positive and friendly. Israel preparing to send a delegation to Doha to discuss further implementation of the hostage deal.

Bibas family:

Yarden is asking about Shiri and the kids & we don't have answers

Family of released hostage Yarden Bibas speaks to media about his condition, calls on government to act to free his wife Shiri and children Ariel and Kfir.

Israel is bracing for an unimaginable requiem

Israelis remain haunted, as should all human beings, by the two tiny red-headed boys last pictured in their Batman pajamas. Op-ed.

Yarden Bibas was held alone, lied to about his family's fate

The Hamas terrorists holding hostage Yarden Bibas refused to allow him to stay with other hostages, allowing him out of the tunnel only once a day to eat; he lost 15 kilograms during his time in captivity.

Keith Siegel's daughter reveals:

'Dad was starved and mentally and physically abused'

Siegel's wife, Aviva, thanked US President Donald Trump for his part in her husband's release: 'Mr. President, you are our hope for those who are still in captivity.'

Arbel Yehud's first post since being released from captivity

Arbel Yehud, who was released from Hamas captivity last week, published a post on social media calling on everyone to 'continue the struggle and not let up.'

Moving video:

Agam Berger presents sister with military lanyard at graduation

At the end of IDF social worker training, released hostage Agam Berger presented her sister, Bar, with the purple lanyard worn by military social workers.

Giving thanks for hostages' release:

Thai delegation visits Western Wall

After release of Thai hostages from Hamas captivity, Thailand's Foreign Minister, Chief of Staff, pay emotional visit to the Western Wall.

Employed his captor

Rescued hostage's lawsuit against US nonprofit dismissed

Federal judge in Seattle dismisses a lawsuit filed by Almog Meir Jan, Israeli hostage who was rescued during Operation Arnon, against US-based pro-Palestinian Arab media company which employed his Hamas captor.

Minister Miki Zohar:

'There is a conflict between the goals of the war'

Culture and Sports Minister admits that the continuation of the hostage deal is not guaranteed. "If Hamas entrenches itself in its position that it continues to control and manage the Gaza Strip, we will resume the war."

Calderon family: Ofer came back to us weak, but on his feet

The family of Ofer Calderon, released Saturday from Hamas captivity, spoke to the media, asking for time and privacy. 'Now we can recover, we are whole.'

Emily Damari returns to home she was kidnapped from

Emily Damari, recently released from Hamas captivity, returns to her home in Kfar Aza, from which she was kidnapped on the morning of the October 7 massacre.

Bibas family:

'Yarden feels good, he's strong and amazing'

Bibas family issues statement following Yarden Bibas' release from Hamas captivity, thanks public for support. 'We can finally breathe.'

Witkoff to released hostages:

'President Trump could not be happier for your return'

The four hostages who returned last week met with US special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and thanked him and all those involved in securing their release.

Herzog to Thai FM:

'Thai hostages are our brothers'

President Isaac Herzog met with Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. He welcomed the return of the five hostages and stressed his concern for all the remaining hostages.

Interior Min. awards residency status to released Thai hostages

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel announced at a meeting with Thailand's Foreign Minister, that he has decided to grant residency status to the five Thai hostages released from captivity.

Daniella Gilboa:

'The only thing that saved me was faith'

Daniella Gilboa, who was released from Hamas captivity, shared that from the moment she was abducted, she waited to recite the thanksgiving blessing.

Infuriating comparison:

BBC news presenter calls Israeli hostages 'prisoners,' apologizes

BBC news presenter Nicky Schiller referred to the three Israeli hostages released yesterday as 'prisoners,' similar to the term used for the terrorists imprisoned in Israel.

Beit El Yeshiva Dean:

The hostage deal and its implications

Dean of the Beit El Yeshiva and leading Religious Zionist Rabbi, Shlita, delivers a lecture about the current agreement that frees hostages in exchange for freeing terrorists, and includes retreating from areas in Gaza.

Little food and severe abuse:

Keith, Yarden, and Ofer were held in harsh conditions

Hamas terrorists treated Ofer as if he were a reservist. Yarden underwent severe psychological abuse, with the terrorists constantly talking about his wife and young children.

Biden:

'Keith Siegel was freed as part of deal my team and I negotiated'

Former US President welcomes release from Hamas captivity of Keith Siegel, who also holds US citizenship: I look forward to the remaining hostages, including additional Americans, being reunited with their families.

'Thank God, I am home'

Karina Ariev in first social media post

Karina Ariev, one of the IDF lookouts who were freed from captivity, publishes her first post on social media since being freed: I was held captive by Hamas for a year and three months. Today, thank God, I am home, in Israel, with my family and my people.

Netanyahu:

'Our thoughts are now with the remaining hostages'

Israel's leaders and the families of the hostages responded Saturday evening to the release of the hostages, expressing joy for those released and determination to recover the rest.

Released hostage:

'I'm here thanks to you, and I'm okay'

Released hostage Doron Steinbrecher tells attendees at Hostages Square rally: 'Thanks to everyone who supported and embraced, thanks to all of the soldiers, and the security forces.'

Netanyahu after hostages' release:

'Our steadfast stand proved itself'

'We'll continue to take determined action to bring hostages back home, and achieve all of our objectives for the war,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says.

Released hostage testifies:

'It was very hard for Yarden, his fear was very great'

Tami Metzger, released in a November 2023 prisoner swap deal, tells of her time in captivity alongside Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon.

Watch:

'Dad, that's it, it's over - now you're with us'

Ofer Calderon, 54, kidnapped with his children to Gaza during the October 7 massacre, reunites with his children and other family members in Israel, after 484 days in captivity.

Bibas family: Yarden has returned to an unbearable reality

After meeting his father and sister in Re'im, released hostage Yarden Bibas arrived at Sheba Medical Center, where he met his mother Penina. His wife Shiri and children Ariel and Kfir are still in Gaza.

Siegel family reunites:

'Dad, you came back to us!! You're a hero for surviving!'

Watch the emotional reunion as released hostage Keith Seigel meets his family after 484 days in captivity.

After 484 days in captivity:

Keith, Ofer, and Yarden returned to Israel

Hostages Keith Siegel, Yarden Bibas, and Ofer Calderon were released Saturday from Hamas captivity.

After 484 days in captivity

Yarden Bibas, Ofer Calderon, Keith Siegel to be released tomorrow

Hamas submits list of three male hostages who are scheduled to be released from captivity. The release is scheduled to take place in the early morning hours of Saturday from two different points in the Gaza Strip.

White House:

'Trump is committed to the release of all remaining hostages'

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: Trump’s working meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister next week emphasizes his continued support for Israel and ensuring that brutal terrorists in that region have hell to pay.

Watch:

Gadi Mozes' first Shabbat dinner with his family

Freed hostage Gadi Mozes, 80, enjoys Shabbat dinner with his family for the first time in 482 days.

Freed hostage's mother:

'She was held in UNRWA facilities and denied medical treatment'

Mandy Damari, mother of Emily Damari who was freed after 470 days in captivity, reveals during conversation with British PM that her daughter was held in UNRWA facilities in Gaza: It's a miracle that she survived.

Arbel Yehud's father:

'She in reasonable health, considering the hell she endured'

Yechi Yehud, father of Arbel who was freed from captivity after 482 days, delivers public statement from Sheba Hospital: She survived heroically until the very end, displaying immeasurable courage.

Bibas family:

'We face very difficult days'

Ahead of Yarden Bibas's expected release from captivity, his family asked: 'Please, protect Yerden's heart and respect his privacy and the privacy of the family in the coming time.'

Agam Berger's father to Trump:

'History will never forget your generosity and leadership'

Merav and Shlomi, the parents of returned hostage Agam Berger, delivered remarks at the hospital.

Liri Albag's first social media post after leaving captivity

In her first social media post after being released from Hamas captivity, Liri Albag thanked the people of Israel for their support and the security forces for their sacrifice.

Watch:

'Dad's coming! Dad's on the list!'

Wife and daughter of Keith Siegal react with joy to learning of his impending release tomorrow after 484 days in captivity.

Sivan Rahav-Meir:

What I learned from Meirav Berger, Agam's mother

Thank you, Meirav, for reminding us about the big story and making us more connected to it.

The wickedness perpetrated by Hamas can never be undone

The hostages are returning from the depths of Gaza, but “safe and sound,” in this case, is a relative term. Opinion,

Lucy Aharish:

'I felt nauseous; as a Muslim woman, I am ashamed'

News anchor Lucy Aharish speaks harshly about the Gazans who nearly lynched Israeli hostage in Gaza. 'Every Muslim must apologize to Arbel.'

Watch:

Former Thai hostages welcomed back to Israel

Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak arrived at Shamir Medical Center-Asaf Harofeh and were welcomed by Thai Ambassador to Israel Pannabha Chandraramya and the medical staff.

New details:

Arbel Yehud was held in isolation for 482 days

Freed hostage says the shocking scenes seen in Gaza today do not show a tenth of the cruelty that she experienced in Gaza.

IDF Spokesperson:

'Hamas responsible for putting hostages' lives at risk'

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagar delivers statement on release of 3 Israeli and 5 Thai hostages, including the mobs that surrounded the hostages as they were being released.

I chose faith, returned with faith:

Agam's message after release from Hamas captivity

Agam Berger, who was released from Hamas captivity, conveyed a message to the nation as she returned to Israel: 'Thank you to everyone in Israel and to our heroic IDF soldiers.'

Netanyahu:

'Whoever dares to harm our hostages – will pay the price'

Prime Minister welcomes the return of 3 Israeli hostages today, reacts to disturbing scenes of Gazans surrounding them during their release.

Hostages Coordinator:

'These are moments of joy but the mission is return all hostages'

The Israeli Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch, responded today to the release of Israeli and Thai nationals, vows to the remaining hostages that 'we will neither rest nor be silent until you are home.'

Hostage families:

'Hostages cannot wait for more negotiations'

Hostage families say prayer of thanks at Hostages Square for release of hostages Agam Berger, Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes and call for completion of deal.

"I will do everything in my power to rebuild Nir Oz

'I will do everything I can to rehabilitate Nir Oz'

After 482 days, elderly former hostage embraces his family and vows to rebuild his community after the 10/7 massacre.

Watch:

Agam Berger reunites with her family

After 482 days in Hamas captivity, Agam Berger embraces her family and the other freed IDF lookouts at Beilinson Hospital.