Hostages in Gaza

Islamic Jihad publishes sign of life from hostage Arbel Yehud

Terror organization publishes video of civilian hostage who is expected to be released on Thursday.

Some hostages were held in tunnels without sunlight for 8 months

Deputy chief of the IDF medical corps reveals recently-released hostages who were held together were treated better than those who were held in isolation.

Govt. spokesperson:

8 of 33 hostages on Hamas list are dead

Government spokesperson David Mencer tells reporters that the list of hostages provided last night by Hamas for the 33 hostages who are being released over 6 weeks contains 25 living hostages and 8 dead hostages.

Sister of hostage Yarden Bibas: This is the most difficult moment

Ofri Bibas, sister of Yarden, sister-in-law of Shiri and aunt of Ariel and Kfir, speaks about the recent agonizing weeks: 'We need information from official sources, not media and WhatsApp groups.'

Released hostage's father:

'Romi heard me on the news while in Gaza; it gave her strength'

Eitan Gonen recounts the emotional moment when his daughter told him, 'Dad, I came back alive,' calls on hostage families to continue speaking in the media, to raise awareness to their loved ones in captivity.

Released hostage:

'There are 2 million terrorists in Gaza'

Hamas demanded hostages talk on stage before their release; they chose to show hand signs of victory. 'I would say one sentence in Arabic: ‘My name is Liri Albag, I am number one.'

Father of hostage:

'Hostage families are not the only families in Israel'

Zvika Mor, whose son Eitan is being held hostage in Gaza, responds to father of released hostage Liri Albag, who said that he scorns those who opposed the hostage deal.

Father of murdered hostage:

'My daughter has become invisible; it's tearing out my heart'

'Difficult to fully rejoice in hostages' return, frustrated Inbar was not included in the deal,' says father of Inbar Haiman, whose body is being held by Hamas.

Combat helicopter pilot:

'We're here until the last hostage comes home'

'I had the privilege of bringing home the hostages we have been waiting so long for and I am here until the last hostage returns,' says Squadron 118 helicopter pilot Captain S.

Herzog thanks Trump and Witkoff

'I wish you great success in bringing peace and stability'

Speaking at inauguration of "The Altneu" synagogue in New York, President Herzog comments on latest developments on the hostages: With God's help, we will soon hear—this week—about six more hostages returning home. I commend all those involved in reaching today's agreement.

'Sorry to ruin your weekend'

Israeli singer Aviv Geffen takes shot at Roger Waters

Israeli singer-songwriter Aviv Geffen tags known anti-Israel musician Pink Floyd in a post on Instagram following the release of four female soldiers from Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Steve Witkoff:

'It's a good day for the hostages'

Speaking to Israeli reporters in New York, Trump's Middle East envoy comments on release of four female soldiers from Hamas captivity: I had a lot of tears, reflecting on my own son who I lost. It felt solemn, but really worthy.

Netanyahu's office:

Arbel Yehud and two other hostages will be released on Thursday

Prime Minister's Office confirms Qatar's announcement that there will be two hostage releases this week, in exchange for the opening of the Netzarim Corridor.

Families of released hostages thank President Trump

The families of Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa, and Liri Albag expressed their gratitude to President Trump for his crucial role in securing their daughters' freedom.

New details from the captivity of the four young women

It was very difficult for the young women to leave their friend Agam Berger and one of them offered to stay behind with her but was refused.

Hostage's father longs for his son:

'When Omri returns, who is going to hug him first?'

Father of Omri Miran, who is being held hostage in Gaza, cannot understand how the groups of hostages are split and tells how he imagines the first moments of his son's return from Gaza.

Diplomatic source:

Netzarim Corridor closed until release of Arbel Yehud resolved

Diplomatic source states Netanyahu is adamant on the decision not to allow Gazans to move north at Netzarim, until the return of hostage Arbel Yehud is resolved.

Mark Levin:

'There are no extremists in the Netanyahu government'

The American commentator pushed back on calls by family members of hostages for Trump to defy so-called 'extremists' in the Israeli government.

President Herzog prays for hostages at Lubavitcher Rebbe's grave

Upon arriving in New York, President and First Lady Herzog visited the grave of the Lubavitcher Rebbe where they prayed for the wellbeing of the IDF soldiers and the return of the hostages.

1 week later:

Romi, Emily, and Doron released from hospital

Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher were released from the hospital today, exactly one week after they were released by their Hamas captors following more than 15 months as hostages.

Freed hostage found to have a bullet in her leg

Etty Schwartz, the aunt of Daniella Gilboa, who was released from Hamas captivity yesterday, speaks about her excitement to return home and the injuries she has sustained since the war began.

Political source:

Israel concerned deal will boost Hamas in Judea and Samaria

Source says 'cynical and cruel' Hamas is 'not the same organization it was on October 7.'

US hostage's father '100% confident' Trump pressure will continue

Adi Alexander, the father of New Jersey native Idan Alexander, tells the New York Post he strongly believes President Trump will do what is necessary to bring his son home after over 470 days in captivity.

Another breach of ceasefire:

Hamas fails to present report on hostages' status

Despite committing to provide a list by Saturday night, Hamas has not yet reported to Israel on the status of the remaining hostages.

Who is on the list to be released next week?

Next Saturday, Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, and Keith Siegel are expected to be released from Hamas captivity. Israeli source clarifies: 'No official list yet.'

Freeing terrorists for release of Jewish hostages

The story of the historic rabbinic decision on the Entebbe hostages and how the IDF saved the day.

Hostages' testimonies revealed

The four newly-released IDF soldiers recounted that there was an elderly hostage who looked after them, ensured they could eat and shower - and was killed in captivity.

With A Smile:

Returning hostages proudly face hundreds of terrorists

The returning hostages stood beaming proudly and waving as they were surrounded by hundreds of terrorists during their release ceremony.

Report:

Freed hostage Emily Damari offered Keith Siegel to take her place

Emily Damari, freed last week in a deal with Hamas, asked if American-Israeli Keith Siegel could be released instead of her, report says.

Hamas' cynical video:

Returning hostages smile, 'thank' captors in Arabic

Hamas publishes footage of Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, and Karina Ariev smiling and 'thanking' the terrorists in Arabic for 'taking good care of them' in captivity, 'for the food, the drinks, and the clothing,' and for 'protection from the attacks.'

'Arbel Yehud is alive and will be released next Saturday'

Senior Israeli officials say they expect Arbel Yehud to be released in the coming days - even before Saturday.

IDF spokesman: Hamas did not keep the deal

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari says there is great concern over fate of Bibas family. 'Israel expects to receive certainty on the matter.'

After 477 days in captivity:

Liri, Naama, Daniella, and Karina return home to Israel

Four of the five IDF lookouts kidnapped from the Nahal Oz military post during the October 7 massacre are returned to Israel.

After 477 days in captivity

Liri, Daniella, Naama and Karina to be released on Saturday

Hamas to release IDF lookouts Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Karina Ariev, who were kidnapped from their base in Nahal Oz during the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023. Israel says Hamas violated the agreement, as civilian hostage Arbel Yehud was not included in the list, but will accept the four hostages.

The first time in 67 weeks

Emily, Doron and Romi enjoy Friday night dinner at home

For the first time in 67 weeks, Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher, and Romi Gonen - who were freed by Hamas this past Sunday - hold Shabbat dinners together with their families.

Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman:

Honored to represent the Jewish people

YU President speaks to Arutz Sheva after giving a speech at Trump’s inauguration: With this new administration, this is time for us to show clearly that there's no daylight between Israel and the US.

Avigdor Liberman:

'Bring back hostages, eliminate October 7 terrorists'

Yisrael Beytenu chairman speaks at Democracy Day conference at Reichman University: We must first bring all the hostages back and then no one who participated in the October 7 massacre should die a natural death.

After her return:

Sign with picture of Romi Gonen taken down in Tel Aviv

Giant sign with picture of freed hostage Romi Gonen removed from a building in Tel Aviv, in wake of her release from captivity. Romi's grandmother was in attendance.

'Enemy can't break your spirit'

The Chief Rabbi's letter to the released hostages

Israeli Chief Rabbi Kalman Ber sent a letter to the young women who were released from Hamas captivity: 'Set your eyes on the future and like a phoenix, you will return to life.'

Netanyahu to Shaul family:

'There is great sadness, but also great closure'

Prime Minister visited the family of Oron Shaul after his body was recovered from Hamas captivity: 'Now you live with the mourning, but not with the uncertainty.'

PM to freed hostages' parents:

'We didn't give up and we won't give up on the others'

Netanyahu speaks with the parents of the 3 hostages who were freed on Sunday. Families ask PM not to stop until all remaining hostages are returned.

'My sunbeam has returned'

Doron's sister posts first photo with her

Yamit Ashkenazi posted a picture with her sister, released hostage Doron Steinbrecher.

Sister of Hostage:

'I hope Liri knows she's coming home soon'

Shai Elbag, sister of Liri, who was kidnapped on October 7 from Nahal Oz, shared her feelings ahead of her sister's expected return from captivity.

Israel demanding that Arbel Yehud be released this Saturday

While Hamas is supposed to notify Israel on Friday which hostages will be released on Saturday, Israel is demanding that the 29-year-old Arbel Yehud be one of them.

Hostage's aunt:

'Distraught to think they selected between murdered bodies'

Father and aunt of murdered hostage Inbar Haiman, criticize hostage deal that leaves Inbar's body in Gaza. 'They selected between murdered bodies.'

'There's life after death'

Romi Gonen in first post after being freed from captivity

Romi Gonen, who was freed after 471 days in Hamas captivity, posts her first story on Instagram: I wanted to stop and say thank you to the people of Israel, family and friends.

Trump:

'We're thinking about going to the Middle East, but not yet'

US President says Biden's "weakness" allowed the October 7 massacre to happen. "Six months ago, you would have had 11 more living hostages. But Biden couldn't get it done."

President Herzog meets with Qatari Prime Minister

During their meeting, President Herzog thanked the Qatari Prime Minister for his significant efforts in advancing the ongoing hostage deal.

Russia:

Hamas promised to release Sasha Troufanov in good health

Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov says the terror group promised Moscow that it would release its citizen, Alexander Sasha Troufanov, in good health.

Odeh shows no remorse:

'Most released detainees were never charged with a thing'

MK Ayman Odeh says that while it is unfortunate that people were hurt by the comparison between the hostages and the terrorists being released in the deal, 'I see and feel the suffering of two peoples.'

Hostage Deal:

Hostage's father seeks to use ICC warrants to press Netanyahu

Yehuda, father of kidnapped Nimrod Cohen, will meet with Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the ICC, to push for using arrest warrants to advance the hostage deal.

Hamas in official statement:

Next hostage release will be on Saturday

Hamas issues official statement, announces that the next phase of the hostage release will be on Saturday, not Sunday as had been reported earlier.

Trump meets freed hostages:

'We never stopped praying for you'

US President meets freed hostages as well as families of hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza during victory celebration in Washington: It should have never happened.

New details on the captivity of Romi, Emily, and Doron

The three hostages who were freed on Sunday were held in several hiding places, some of the time together and some of the time separated. They were held underground and in an apartment in Gaza City, among other places.

Ari Fuld's brother:

We fear this terrible deal while rejoicing for released hostages

Eytan Fuld shares his feelings as the terrorist who murdered his brother is scheduled to be released as part of the hostage deal and sends a message to Hamas: 'You will not rejoice from this release, Israel will win.'

Freed hostages' families:

'Without Trump's involvement, this moment wouldn't have happened'

The families of Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher, and Romi Gonen, who were released from captivity last night, gave their first public statement at Sheba Medical Center and thanked President Trump for his efforts in securing the release of their loved ones.

Steve Witkoff:

'Trump felt fulfilled when he saw the hostages & their families'

Steven Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East, describes how he and President Trump felt when they saw the first images of the 3 hostages meeting their families after they were freed yesterday.

At the inauguration:

Rabbi Berman prays for hostages' return and peace in Israel

In his prayer on the stage at President Donald Trump's inauguration Yeshiva University President Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman hinted at antisemitism on college campuses and added a prayer for the hostages.

Netanyahu congratulates Trump:

'I look forward to working with you to free the hostages'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Congratulates President Donald Trump on his inauguration, looks forward to work with the President on the return of all the hostages and other regional challenges.

The emotional reunions of the freed hostages with their mothers

Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher were able to hug their mothers for the first time in 15 months after they were freed from their Hamas captors.