Hostages in Gaza

Cash for info on hostages

'I'm swamped with messages, some are being checked'

SodaStream founder and former CEO Daniel Birnbaum explains what is behind the idea to give $100,000 to any Palestinian who helps lead to the release of the hostages

Rami Igra:

'There is no one to negotiate with on the other side'

Rami Igra, former head of the Prisoners and Missing Persons Division in the Mossad, explains the problem with attempting to resume negotiations.

Man who published fake video about hostages located

Israel Police locates and takes for questioning a suspect who disseminated videos containing false information about the release of hostages.

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Hostages and massacre victims marched for Hadar Goldin

Murdered hostages Elad Katzir filmed himself on a march to the Gaza border for the release of Hadar Goldin, Oron Shaul, Avra Mengistu, and Hisham Al-Sayed.

'$100,000 reward for anyone who returns hostages'

Former CEO of SodaStream, Daniel Birnbaum, released a video offering a cash reward to anyone who returns hostages from Gaza to Israel.

'Dress like Naama'

Women call for the return of Naama Levy in powerful demonstration

Women dress in outfits similar to that worn by hostage Naama Levy at the time of her kidnapping, in a powerful call for her release.

IDF: Rumors of hostage rescue are untrue

For the third time in less than 24 hours, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari clarifies that Israelis held captive in Gaza were not freed; investigation opened.

Sinwar's body transferred to secret location following autopsy

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar weighed around 70 kilograms at the time of his death; his corpse is expected to be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations for hostages' release.

IDF Spokesperson:

'Our work is not done, we won't rest until all hostages are home'

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari details the crimes of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar following his elimination, notes that 101 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza.

Hostage Families Forum:

'We commend killing of Sinwar, but deeply concerned for hostages'

The Hostages Families Forum called for the military achievement of the elimination of the leader of Hamas to be turned into a diplomatic achievement of a deal for the freeing of the remaining hostages.

Qatari PM:

'There haven't been ceasefire talks for 3-4 weeks'

Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, says there have been no conversations for the last three to four weeks on a ceasefire and hostage release deal: We are just moving in the same circle.

Defense Minister:

Chance hostages will be smuggled out of Gaza is minimal

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks with relatives of the hostages, responding to inquiry regarding possibility that they may no longer be in Gaza.

Hamas:

'Pressure on Netanyahu is required to reach a deal'

Senior Hamas official says the group is ready to implement agreement on a ceasefire and hostage release deal which was reached at the beginning of July, but without any additional conditions.

One year since massacre:

Red Cross demands access to hostages

During the meeting, representatives of the Red Cross reiterated their official demand to have access to the hostages and provide them with treatment according to international humanitarian law.

Moving:

The haredi rabbi who has slept on the floor & board since Oct. 7

Families of hostages tour Bnei Brak, learn that Rabbi Yitzhak Koledetski has slept on the floor or on a board since the October 7 massacre. 'How can he sleep comfortably?'

Released hostage to diplomats:

'I nearly died underneath the ground'

Ambassadors and diplomats join hostages' families in solidarity event. Released hostage Aviva Siegel: I was there. For 51 days. I nearly died underneath the ground. One more day and I would have been dead.

Posters of hostages torn down in Judea and Samaria

Emuna Or, the sister of hostage Avinatan Or, tells Arutz Sheva the posters were torn down in Jewish communities while posters about other issues like judicial reform were left untouched.

Brother of hostage:

'Apply military pressure to Hamas'

Moshe, the brother of Avinatan Or who has been abducted in Gaza for over a year, called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to bring back his brother: "Is it possible to do more? Obviously."

Yom Kippur Eve:

'We ask forgiveness from the hostages we have not yet recovered

The special afternoon prayer before Yom Kippur at Sha'ar Hanegev Junction included a special remembrance of the remaining hostages.

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Former hostage Karina Engel recounts October 7 attack

MDA ceremony held to mark one-year anniversary of the October 7 massacre and in memory of 36 volunteers who were killed during the massacre and the war.

Shas Minister asks hostage Yarden Bibas for forgiveness

Health Minister Moshe Arbel comments on the fact that there are still 101 hostages in Gaza: We sinned because we didn't do enough.

NYC: Woman brags about ripping down, crumpling hostage poster

Masked woman claiming to support 'Palestinian resistance' brags about tearing down a poster of an Israeli hostage

Hostage's mother:

'Inconceivable UNRWA could be nominated for Nobel Peace Prize'

Ayelet Samerano, mother of Yonatan Samerano who was murdered on October 7th and whose body was taken to Gaza by an UNRWA employee, reacts to nomination of UNRWA for prestigious peace award whose winner will be announced tomorrow.

Egypt pushes for ceasefire and exchange deal

In talks between Fatah and Hamas in Cairo, Egyptians are pushing for a deal between the parties on the ruling of Gaza, as part of a cease-fire and exchange deal.

13-year-old released hostage: 'Civilians hit me in Gaza'

Eitan Yahalomi, 13, kidnapped to Gaza on October 7, and released in a November 2023 deal, speaks about the kidnapping and his first days in captivity.

Biden adviser:

'Sinwar is alive and remains the decision maker'

White House Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk tells American rabbis that the US believes that Hamas leader Sinwar is alive and likely hiding in a tunnel under Gaza with hostages nearby.

Harris:

'Progress in ceasefire is meaningless unless a deal is reached'

US Vice President Kamala Harris in interview with Stephen Colbert: We must have a ceasefire and a hostage deal as immediately as possible.

Trump after meeting hostage's family:

'Whatever I can do, I'll do for them'

Former President rips into Biden's Middle East policy during appearance on Daily Wire founder's podcast, says he would have gotten many more nations to join the Abraham Accords.

Israeli-French hostages' families meet with President Macron

The Yahalomi and Kalderon families traveled to France to remind the world that two French citizens remain in Hamas captivity.

'Even a deal'

Religious Zionist rabbis call for hostages' release by all means

Several leading rabbis signed a letter to the government in which they called for it to work to bring the hostages home by any means necessary, 'even through a responsible deal.'

Gallery

Thousands gather in Times Square to mark October 7th anniversary

Thousands gathered in Times Square in New York City to mark the first anniversary of the October 7th massacre and to call for the release of the hostages.

Vice President Harris:

'I will never forget October 7, and the world must never forget'

US Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff plant pomegranate tree in memory of October 7 victims: On this solemn day, I will restate my pledge to always ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself.

Berlin:

Special service commemorating first anniversary of massacre

A special prayer service was held this morning at the Central Synagogue in Berlin marking the first anniversary of the October 7 massacre, with participation of senior German politicians.

Hostage Idan Shtivi was murdered the morning of October 7, 2023

Petah Tikva municipality announces that hostage Idan Shtivi was murdered on the morning of the October 7, 2023, massacre, and his body was kidnapped to Gaza.

Oct.7 anniversary:

Thousands gather in Central Park to demand return of hostages

One year since October 7th massacre: Remaining family members of hostages demand the return of their loved ones who remain in captivity as thousands gather in Central Park to commemorate the anniversary.

One year in captivity:

Pictures of hostages projected on Jerusalem's walls

Photos of the 101 hostages in Hamas captivity in Gaza, the number 365, and a yellow ribbon were projected on Sunday onto the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.

UN chief:

'We must repeat our utter condemnation of Hamas'

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres releases video statement on one-year anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 massacre: October 7th scarred souls, I demand once again the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

One year later:

Nationwide rallies demand return of hostages

Israelis all over the country took to the streets tonight to mark a full year since the October 7th massacre.

Gaza:

Israel frees Yazidi woman kidnapped by ISIS and sold to Hamas

After more than a decade in captivity in Gaza: The IDF led by COGAT, in collaboration with the US Embassy in Israel, rescued a young Yazidi woman held by a Hamas terrorist affiliated with ISIS in the Gaza Strip

Keir Starmer meets families of hostages

British Prime Minister meets with the families of hostages and bereaved families at his residence in London.

Victory for Ben-Gvir:

The body of terrorist Walid Daka will not be released

The court adopted the position of the Minister of National Security, who responded: 'As long as Hamas continues to hold our captives, all possible pressure must be applied for their release.'

IDF Spokesperson:

'We have lost the public's trust'

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari reveals for the first time a conversation with a returned hostage and how it affected him throughout the war.

Sara Netanyahu, family members of hostages pray at Rebbe's grave

Wife of PM Netanyahu, joined by family members of hostages, lights candles and prays for the return of the hostages and the wellbeing of the soldiers at grave of the Lubatvitcher Rebbe in New York.

Edelstein to Netanyahu:

'Condition a ceasefire on the return of all the hostages'

MK Yuli Edelstein writes letter to the Prime Minister: "This is not the time for a ceasefire with Hezbollah, but when it comes we must include the return of all the hostages held by Hamas as a condition."

Netanyahu in New York:

'We won't stop striking Hezbollah, make no mistake'

Prime Minister Netanyahu landed in New York ahead of his UNGA address and declared: 'My policy, our policy, is clear: we continue to strike Hezbollah with full force.'

Likud activists throw eggs at father of hostage

Likud activists tell father of IDF lookout held in Gaza: "You are the cancer of the country." President Herzog condemns the remarks.

Israel not ruling out

US working on joint Gaza-Hezbollah ceasefire deal

For the first time, the US is working to reach a deal that would tie together both the northern and southern fronts of Israel's war, Hezbollah reportedly showing interest.

Watch:

Hostages' families demand UN Human Rights Council act immediately

Family members of hostages held in Gaza appear before the UN Human Rights Council, calling for immediate action to secure the return of their loved ones, who have been held in horrific conditions for almost a year.

Slain hostages' loved ones:

Where is the world?

The loved ones of the six hostages who were murdered last month condemned the inaction of political, cultural, and religious leaders around the world to have their loved ones released.

Nova artist launches new October 7th exhibition with StandWithUs

'Faces of October 7th' exhibition opens in Jerusalem with the families of victims, ahead of Oct. 7th anniversary.

President Herzog:

Returning hostages, ending attacks on north should be UN priority

President Isaac Herzog interviewed on CNN’s One World news program. says return of the hostages and ending Hezbollah attacks 'be the most important priority of all the world leaders who are meeting right now at The UN General Assembly.'

Hostages' families meet with new British government

The families of hostages met today with new British MPs and asked for their support in recovering their loved ones.

Britain:

PM Starmer calls for the return of the Israeli 'sausages'

PM Kier Starmer tripped up while listing his desires for the Middle East and addressing the issue of the hostages held in Gaza.

Netanyahu to cabinet:

'Pressure on Nasrallah will help advance hostage deal'

Netanyahu made clear to his cabinet that the actions in the north aimed to separate the Lebanese front from the one in Gaza.

Redeeming captives

Redeeming captives is a great mitzvah, and it takes precedence in importance over all other types of charity, but not over every other consideration. It is forbidden to pay an exorbitant price for redeeming captives.

Top Biden envoy:

'Sinwar is the obstacle to the deal'

President Biden’s Middle East Coordinator and National Security Council member Brett McGurk told the Israeli American Council (IAC) that no one is shedding a tear for Hezbollah official Ibrahim Akil, who was eliminated last week.

Netanyahu:

'Half of the hostages are still alive'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee about the recent strikes on Hezbollah and that the plan to turn northern Gaza into a closed military zone is on the table.

John Kirby:

'Sinwar doesn't seem prepared at all to keep negotiating'

White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said that the US still believes that it is not in Israel's best interests to go to war against Hezbollah.

Former Mossad chief:

We should've released all terrorists in exchange for hostages

'The Israeli government chose revenge, it could've released all terrorists in exchange for all hostages on the morning of October 8,' former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo alleges.

German soccer club pays tribute to murdered hostage

German soccer club Werder Bremen pays homage to murdered hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin display tribute featuring his portrait alongside the words: "Shalom, Salam, Peace."