Hostages in Gaza

Analyst estimates:

Secret section in deal provides Hamas significant protection

Analyst Ohad Hemo explains why Hamas agreed to release hostages, even though it was their last card left.

Amb. Huckabee's promise to parents of last Israeli hostage

Israeli hostage Ran Gvili’s parents meet with U.S. Ambassador, receive promise of support until the last hostage returns

Deceased hostage's father:

'We pray he won't become another Ron Arad'

Itzik Gvili, father of deceased hostage Ran Gvili, says Hamas claims they do not know where his son's body is located. 'We pray he won't become another Ron Arad.'

Al Jazeera: Searches for body of hostage in Zeitoun neighborhood

Red Cross, Hamas, renew searches for body of deceased hostage in Gaza's Zeitoun neighborhood.

Prayers and kiddush helped Eliya Cohen survive Hamas captivity

Hamas captivity survivor Eliya Cohen reflects on life after Gaza captivity: 'I focus on the positive.'

After 781 days:

Body of hostage Dror Or returned to Israel for burial

The IDF has announced that the body of deceased hostage Dror Or has been returned to Israel for burial.

Israel receives body of hostage

The military arms of the Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror organizations announced on Tuesday that at 4:00 p.m. they would return the body of a hostage to Israel.

Al Jazeera: Body of Israeli hostage located

Body of Israeli hostage held by Islamic Jihad is located in Nuseirat, Al Jazeera reports.

Moving:

Former hostages come full circle at grave of Lubavitcher Rebbe

Segev Kalfon, Matan Angrest, Nimrod Cohen, and Bar Kupershtein visit the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s grave in New York - the place where their families prayed for their release.

Captivity survivor:

'We dug a pit for food, we lived in starvation and fear'

Hamas captivity survivor Segev Kalfon tells of the relentless fear, even after his release from captivity, and the moving moments after his return to Israel.

Cairo:

Top Hamas officials discuss efforts to locate hostages' bodies

Senior Hamas delegation in Cairo to discuss Gaza escalation, ceasefire terms.

Hostage survivor:

'Israeli comedian kept me going under the ground'

Hostage survivor Maxim Herkin visits the set of comedian Shalom Asayag’s new series and tells him that his stand-up show kept him going him during the difficult moments in captivity.

From White House to the Ohel

Hostage survivor visits grave of Lubavitcher Rebbe

Immediately after his meeting with President Trump at the White House, hostage survivor Yosef Haim Ohana visited the Ohel, the grave of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

Released hostage reveals:

I endured brutal sexual violence

President Herzog calls released hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal’s on-camera testimony of the brutal sexual violence he endured “extraordinary bravery” and urges the world to recognize the horrors and bear witness to the truth.

'Carrying our ancestors’ prayers'

Ambassador Leiter's emotional speech to captivity survivors

Israel's Ambassador to the US, bereaved father Yechiel Leiter, spoke with the freed hostages visiting the US, and underscored the enduring strength of Israel.

"You were a light for me"

Freed hostage hands heartfelt letter to President Trump

Freed hostage Segev Kalfon credits US President Donald Trump's firm leadership for playing a crucial role in securing his release, says the President's determination served as 'a light…in the darkest tunnels.'

Trump to survivors

'You're not a hostage anymore, today you're heroes'

US President meets survivors of Hamas captivity in Washington, says their courage "united all Israelis."

Former hostages welcomed in Congress

The delegation met with senior lawmakers in the US Congress who pledged to continue working to return the bodies of hostages still held by Hamas.

Hamas naval chief, terrorist who held hostages eliminated

The IDF revealed that after Hamas violated the ceasefire, the military eliminated Abdallah Abu Shamala, the Head of the Naval Array and Fadi Abu Mustafa, who held several Israelis hostage.

Tribute to Trump

Mezuzah from destroyed house on its way to White House

Twins Gali and Ziv Berman from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, who were taken captive on 10/7, will present the mezuzah from their burned home to President Trump.

Captivity survivor to CNN:

'G-d gave me the strength to be strong'

Freed hostage Bar Kupershtein reflects on two years in Hamas captivity, his faith, and the moments that sustained him as he prepares to meet President Trump in Washington.

The gift freed hostage Eitan Mor will present to President Trump

Former hostage Eitan Mor will meet President Trump at the White House and present him with a dreidel as a gift. “It symbolizes victory born from courage.”

The chilling testimony of Guy Gilboa-Dalal from Hamas captivity

Former hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal recounts a horrific moment in which he was abused by a terrorist. “He put a gun to my head and a knife to my throat and said that if I told anyone - he would kill me.”

Hostages Square:

Alon Ohel performs song that carried him through captivity

Just over a month after his release from Hamas captivity, Alon Ohel returned to Hostages Square and played the song that gave him strength during 700+ days in Gaza.

Captivity survivor apologizes for remarks

Former hostage Rom Braslavsky published another post on his Facebook page in which he apologized to the state and the government for things he wrote in a moment of emotional turmoil.

Israel bids farewell to slain hostage Joshua Loitu Mollel

Tanzanian agricultural student remembered in emotional ceremony at Ben Gurion Airport before his body is returned home after being released from Hamas captivity.

Before meeting Trump:

Captivity survivor prays at Western Wall

Former hostage Segev Kalfon visits the Western Wall after 738 days in Hamas captivity, and is gifted an ancient artifact of faith and resilience.

No findings reported on DNA sample transfered from Gaza

A blood sample transferred by Hamas was reported on Tuesday to be unconnected with any of the hostages still in Gaza.

Hostage survivor shares Shabbat stories from Hamas captivity

Segev Kalfon shared how Shabbat observance in Gaza tunnels gave them strength and hope during captivity.

Hundreds gather at Beeri cemetery to honor Meny Godard

Family members deliver emotional eulogies as the Beeri community lays Meny Godard to rest after 769 days in Gaza, marking a long-awaited moment of farewell.

Released hostage discloses shocking details from captivity

Released hostages Avinatan Or, his partner Noa Argamani, Eviatar David, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal attend the Jewish Federations General Assembly.

Watch:

Captivity survivor plays 'Hatikva' at Berlin Jewish festival

Agam Berger, who was held for 482 days in Gaza, plays “Hatikva” at a Jewish festival in Berlin. Her emotional performance follows earlier tributes at March of the Living in Poland.

Just before his release

How Hamas tried to break Guy Gilboa-Dalal

Guy Gilboa-Dalal shares in an interview the psychological pressure he endured, the hope that never faded - and the moment his captors tried to break him, just one day before his return to Israel.

Deceased hostage's mother shares concerns

Talik Gvili, mother of SFC Ran Gvili, whose body is still held by Hamas, says she’s met PM several times and praises public support: 'We feel an enormous embrace.'

Strock:

'We did not go to war just to bring back the hostages'

Clash erupts in government meeting as Minister Orit Strock questioned PM Netanyahu over the Gaza ceasefire’s duration, with Netanyahu stressing hostage returns and the need to advance demilitarization.

Freed hostage in first speech:

'I was exposed to images from the square, you gave me hope'

Freed hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal gives powerful speech at Hostages Square, recalls October 7, honors murdered friends, and urges Israel to bring home the remaining hostages: “I am finally home.”

Family releases footage of deceased hostage

The family of Meny and Ayelet Godard, killed during Hamas captivity and during the October 7 massacre, releases footage of the couple in their safe room during a 2021 Gaza operation. 'It's not over 'till it's over.'

Family of Meny Godard:

'Now we can begin to heal'

The family of Meny Godard, whose body was returned to Israel for burial after 769 days, says they can now begin to heal - and vow to keep fighting for the three families still waiting.

Body of hostage Meny Godard returned to Israel

Israel receives, via the Red Cross, the coffin of a deceased hostage, identified as Meny Godard from Kibbutz Be'eri.

Time magazine names captivity survivor's memoir among top 100

Time magazine names Eli Sharabi’s memoir “Hostage” one of the year’s top 100 books. Sharabi, held by Hamas for 491 days, recounts his ordeal and loss in a raw account that reached NYT bestseller status.

Israeli officials:

'Hamas holds information on all four deceased hostages'

Officials say Hamas possesses full details on all hostages, including those held by Islamic Jihad: “Pressure must be applied until the last one is returned.”

Hamas captivity survivors give chilling testimony at the UN

Captivity survivors Keith and Aviva Siegel appeared before the Committee against Torture and Cruel Punishment and gave their testimony about the humiliation, violence and sexual abuse they and other hostages experienced in Hamas captivity.

'It's Over'

Idan Amedi’s farewell song to Hadar Goldin

At the funeral of the late Lieutenant Hadar Goldin at the military cemetery in Kfar Saba, singer and songwriter Idan Amedi sang his song "It's Over" in front of the officer's grave.

'A Jewish warrior'

After over 11 years in captivity - Hadar Goldin is laid to rest

Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, abducted in 2014 and returned this week, is laid to rest in Kfar Saba with full military honors.

Ex‑hostage:

'They were nicer to me after seeing my Mother on TV'

Matan Zangauker credited his mother’s vocal campaign for surviving captivity, saying it changed his captors’ attitude, and spoke out against false rumors spread online.

Hadar Goldin's sister

'Without the people of Israel Hadar wouldn't be home'

Hadar Goldin’s siblings make statement following the return of their brother's remains 11 years after he was killed by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

'May we be the last to suffer'

Final farewell to Lior Rudaeff, 763 days after October 7 heroism

Thousands gathered at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak to honor Lior Rudaeff, killed on October 7 and laid to rest over two years later after a long struggle to bring him home.

Released hostage:

'I never gave into the terrorists,' says Matan Zangauker

Journalist Yolan Cohen speaks about her interview with released hostage Matan Zangauker and the obstinate struggle he waged even while in captivity.

Watch:

Released hostages return to their favorite football stadium

Gali and Zivi Berman, Hamas hostages who were released after 772 days of captivity, were guests of honor at the Maccabi Tel Aviv game at Bloomfield Stadium. The fans and players welcomed them with emotional cheers.

Arab source:

Islamic Jihad holding half of remaining hostages' bodies

Palestinian Arab source says Hamas faces difficulties returning all four deceased hostages' bodies, assesses Islamic Jihad may soon capitulate.

Watch:

11 years ago and today, neighbors sing outside the Goldins' home

Hundreds gathered in Kfar Saba to support the Goldin family after the body of Lt. Hadar Goldin was returned, marking the end of an 11-year ordeal in Hamas captivity.

Givati Recon Commander:

'We fought to bring Hadar home - a powerful, emotional closure'

At a battalion gathering of the Givati Reconnaissance Unit, attended by brigade commanders and soldiers, the return of Hadar Goldin for burial in Israel is marked as a moment of closure.

Watch:

IDF Chief of Staff embraces Hadar Goldin's parents

The Chief of the General Staff met with the family of fallen and abducted soldier, Lt. Hadar Goldin, to review the extensive efforts undertaken over the years to bring him home.

Goldin family issues emotional statement after 11‑year wait

Following Lt . Hadar Goldin’s return after more than 11 years in Hamas captivity, his family said they fought for friendship, burial in Israel, and dignity.

Closure after 11 years:

Body of Hadar Goldin returned to Israel

Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, who fell in combat in 2014 and was held by Hamas since the, has finally returned to Israel for burial.

Hadar Goldin's weapon returned to his family

Hadar Goldin's weapon, which was found in Gaza, was returned to his family. At the same time, a coffin believed to contain his body, was transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for identification

'Itay, this song is for you'

Watch: Idan Amedi's moving performance at Itay Chen's funeral

Israeli singer, actor, and wounded war veteran Idan Amedi, gave an emotional performance at the funeral of Itay Chen, whose body was returned to Israel last week from Hamas captivity.

Bereaved father's message to US

'We found many allies, good people that felt our pain'

Ruby Chen eulogizes his son Itay, 2 years after Itay was murdered on October 7. 'I apologize that it took two years to bring you back.'

A Time to Dance, a Time to Refrain:

When Jewish success meets rising envy

As the Jewish people take center stage in the eyes of the world, King Solomon’s wisdom reminds us that even moments of joy demand humility, vigilance, and restraint. Opinion.

Hadar's Comrade:

'Until Hadar is back, Operation Protective Edge is not over'

Elhai Refua, a close friend of Hadar Goldin, describes the moment he learned of Hadar's abduction during Operation Protective Edge in an interview with Arutz Sheva.