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Hostages in Gaza

News and updates about Hostages in Gaza

This is Hamas' new demand for a ceasefire deal

Washington Post reports Hamas is demanding a last-minute change in prisoner swap-ceasefire deal; 'take it or leave it' proposal 'indefinitely' delayed.

This is Hamas' new demand for a ceasefire deal

'We had to smile'

Released hostage gives details on Hamas' hostage videos

Released hostage Aviva Siegel details how she was forced to say her lines 'again and again,' says Hamas tried to make her look presentable before taking photos. 'We had to sit next to them and smile and say everything is OK, just for the picture.'

Released hostage gives details on Hamas' hostage videos

Ambassador Hotovely:

'The international pressure should be on Hamas'

Israel’s Ambassador to the UK: Hamas is using children as shields while committing unspeakable crimes. In order to have a better future, we need to put more pressure on Hamas.

'The international pressure should be on Hamas'

'Deranged murderer of hostages'

Woman arrested after throwing sand at Ben Gvir

27-year-old woman arrested after throwing sand at National Security Minister as he was spending time with his family on a beach in Tel Aviv. Another person shouted at him: The hostages are dying in Gaza because of you.

Woman arrested after throwing sand at Ben Gvir

Using the hostages:

Hamas document reveals psychological warfare strategy

German newspaper Bild reports on Hamas document detailing how the terror group seeks to shift blame in Israel for hostages' plight to the government and blame for lack of a deal internationally to Israel.

Hamas document reveals psychological warfare strategy

Dr. Mordechai Kedar:

'We can have endless war or we can have deterrence'

Dr. Mordechai Kedar insists that as the war carries on, Israel must take new approaches on each front.

'We can have endless war or we can have deterrence'

Prof. Anne Bayefsky:

US Amb walked out before Israeli Amb spoke on killing of hostages

Professor Anne Bayefsky, the Director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights, tells Arutz Sheva the UN Security Council meeting on the issue of the hostages was hijacked by anti-Israel elements, US Amb. Linda Thomas-Greenfield walked out before Amb. Danon spoke about the killing of Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

US Amb walked out before Israeli Amb spoke on killing of hostages

Blinken:

'Nearly 90% of the Gaza ceasefire deal is agreed'

Secretary of State says it is incumbent on both Israel and Hamas to say yes on remaining issues to reach a Gaza ceasefire deal: The mediators will share their thoughts on how to resolve the issues.

'Nearly 90% of the Gaza ceasefire deal is agreed'

David Friedman:

'You've got to pick a side between good and evil'

Former US Ambassador to Israel notes the absurdity of Biden administration pressuring Netanyahu to reach a deal with Hamas leaders they indicted: Why would anybody think that someone who brutally murdered 1,200 people and kidnaped another 250 would want a deal?

'You've got to pick a side between good and evil'

Psychological terror continues

Hamas releases footage of Hersh Goldberg-Polin

Hamas publishes a video of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of the six hostages who were murdered in captivity and whose bodies were recovered from the Gaza Strip this week.

Hamas releases footage of Hersh Goldberg-Polin

Report:

Sinwar planned to smuggle himself and hostages to Iran

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar reportedly intended to flee the Gaza Strip via the Egyptian border and travel to Iran together with other Hamas leaders and the hostages.

Sinwar planned to smuggle himself and hostages to Iran

Prof. Aryeh Eldad:

'Withdrawing from Philadelphi Corridor an immoral step'

Former MK Professor Aryeh Eldad, a member of the 'Professors for a Strong Israel' organization, tells Arutz Sheva he believes politicians who say Israel can return to the Philadelphi Corridor are 'lying.'

'Withdrawing from Philadelphi Corridor an immoral step'

Zvi Yehezkeli:

'I warned it would happen and it can happen again'

Zvi Yehezkeli, expert, author and i24NEWS senior commentator, says solution to current conflict is 'to see the Middle East in the same way that they see themselves, and not the way we see them.'

'I warned it would happen and it can happen again'

Families of hostages pressuring Biden to make unilateral deal

Families of Americans held hostage in Gaza pressuring Biden administration to work towards unilateral deal with Hamas terror group, NBC reports.

Families of hostages pressuring Biden to make unilateral deal

US official:

Nothing in ceasefire agreement mentions Philadelphi Corridor

Disagreement between Israel and Gaza focuses on 'densely populated' areas, Hamas threatening to execute additional hostages, report says.

Nothing in ceasefire agreement mentions Philadelphi Corridor

Danon to Security Council:

'Have you forgotten why we're in Gaza? Put pressure on Hamas'

UN Security Council convenes for first session on hostages in Gaza; Israeli Ambassador demands Council rethink its approach. 'We will not stop until we bring everyone home.'

'Have you forgotten why we're in Gaza? Put pressure on Hamas'

Hamas:

'No need for new proposals, pressure Netanyahu'

Hamas again rejects renewed negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage release deal, calls for pressure on Netanyahu to accept proposal.

'No need for new proposals, pressure Netanyahu'

US official:

'We can account for Israel's security if it leaves Philadelphi'

Senior US official rejects claims that proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal would endanger Israel's security: That is just fundamentally untrue.

'We can account for Israel's security if it leaves Philadelphi'

Watch:

CNN reporter's connection to parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin

CNN commentator Anderson Cooper recounts how in the early days of the war he provided the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin with the video that proved he was taken hostage and the connection he developed with them.

CNN reporter's connection to parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin

Chris Cuomo:

'We are not a new Prime Minister in Israel away from peace'

In emotional video, Chris Cuomo condemns the moral relativism of those who defend Hamas after it executed 6 hostages, lays blame for ongoing war on Hamas for carrying out October 7 massacre.

'We are not a new Prime Minister in Israel away from peace'

Next to stuffed animals

The tunnel where bodies of six hostages were found

The IDF published footage of the shaft leading to the tunnel from which the bodies of the hostages Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alex Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and MSG Ori Danino were recovered.

The tunnel where bodies of six hostages were found

Psychological terrorism

Hamas releases footage of hostages who were murdered in captivity

Hamas published footage in which Alexander Lobanov and Carmel Gat, who were murdered last week, beg Israelis to protest for their release.

Hamas releases footage of hostages who were murdered in captivity

Netanyahu:

'A deal to withdraw from Philadelphi will kill us'

Israeli Prime Minister holds English language press conference on the war and hostage talks in light of the execution of the 6 hostages, stresses importance of Israel retaining control of Philadelphi Corridor.

'A deal to withdraw from Philadelphi will kill us'

Chief of Staff in Gaza:

'We must not give up on any of the war goals'

IDF Chief of Staff LTG Herzi Halevi held a situational assessment in the central Gaza Strip and said that the IDF is doing everything possible to bring the hostages back alive.

'We must not give up on any of the war goals'

Human Rights Expert:

'Hamas playbook resembles despicable UN diversionary tactics'

Professor Anne Bayefsky, the Director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights, speaks to Arutz Sheva about the UN Security Council's first-ever official discussion about the hostages held by Hamas, and cautions not to expect UN to suddenly care about Israeli lives after 11 months of inaction.

'Hamas playbook resembles despicable UN diversionary tactics'

Mother of murdered hostage:

'Ori would refuse to be released in exchange for a terrorist'

Mother of murdered hostage, Ori Danino, talks about her son, the rumors that upset her, and says, 'A hostage deal must include everyone, without exception.'

'Ori would refuse to be released in exchange for a terrorist'

Hostage's twin sister:

'We are all waiting for you to come home'

Li-Yam Berger, sister of hostage Agam Berger, sends a message of hope and faith: 'I hope you are staying strong and filled with faith, we are all waiting for you.'

'We are all waiting for you to come home'

Retired judge ripped down photos of hostages, fallen soldiers

Heroes Forum files complaint with police against retired judge Sara Haviv, who was filmed ripping down signs bearing the photos of hostages and fallen IDF soldiers.

Retired judge ripped down photos of hostages, fallen soldiers

Initial findings:

Hamas identified IDF forces approaching & murdered the 6 hostages

Initial IDF investigation following the deaths of six hostages in Gaza shows that Hamas observed the forces approaching the area near the hostages, decided to murder them.

Hamas identified IDF forces approaching & murdered the 6 hostages

IDF reservist:

'If we leave Philadephi, we can forget about the hostages'

IDF reservist, Oded Harush, on importance of Philadephi Corridor: 'If we leave Philadephi, we can forget about the hostages. They will be smuggled out through Rafah Crossing and we will never know where they are.'

'If we leave Philadephi, we can forget about the hostages'

The psychological terror:

Hamas publishes video of murdered hostage Ori Danino

Hamas publishes a video of Ori Danino, one of the six hostages who were murdered and whose bodies were recovered this week from the Gaza Strip.

Hamas publishes video of murdered hostage Ori Danino

Co. Richard Kemp:

'Resuming UNRWA funds while undermining Israel morally bankrupt'

Former commander of British forces in Afghanistan tells Arutz Sheva the British govt. did not consider the optics of announcing the suspension of some arms sales to Israel right after Hamas executed 6 Israeli hostages.

'Resuming UNRWA funds while undermining Israel morally bankrupt'

UNHCR wants independent investigation into execution 'reports'

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on Tuesday called for an independent investigation into "reports" about the execution of six Israeli hostages by Hamas last week.

UNHCR wants independent investigation into execution 'reports'

NYC

Anti-Israel protester says Hersh-Goldberg-Polin 'deserved' to die

Protestor at anti-Israel demonstration in New York City filmed dismissing the execution of US citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin, claiming he should not have been in Israel and that Hamas did not kill him.

Anti-Israel protester says Hersh-Goldberg-Polin 'deserved' to die

Pramila Jayapal:

'Netanyahu sacrificing the hostages'

Squad member and Israel critic appears to blame Israeli PM for deaths of 6 hostages while not mentioning the Hamas terrorist organization that actually executed them.

'Netanyahu sacrificing the hostages'

Global Imams Council:

'Hamas responsible for deaths and suffering since Oct. 7'

Global Imams Council condemns execution of hostages by Hamas terrorists and calls on all religious leaders to 'unite against acts of terror and work towards a future of peace and respect for human life.'

'Hamas responsible for deaths and suffering since Oct. 7'

Ritchie Torres:

'Newsflash to media: Hostages didn't 'die,' they were murdered'

NY Democratic Congressman criticizes media for saying the 6 hostages Hamas executed, including US citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 'died' instead of saying they were murdered.

'Newsflash to media: Hostages didn't 'die,' they were murdered'

You self-righteous protesters - you do not speak on our behalf!

You trample on the memory of all those that have fallen as you conspire with your fellow protesters to subvert the government. You choose to turn the hostages into your own pawns, playing with their plight. Opinion.

You self-righteous protesters - you do not speak on our behalf!

In first: UN Security Council to hold meeting on hostages in Gaza

'After 11 months since the kidnapping of hundreds of innocent civilians, it is certainly time for the Security Council to address this issue,' Ambassador Danny Danon says.

In first: UN Security Council to hold meeting on hostages in Gaza

Minister Amichai Eliyahu:

'Supporters of Disengagement are responsible for hostages'

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu claimed that the blame for the hostages lies with anyone who supported the Disengagement Law in 2005.

'Supporters of Disengagement are responsible for hostages'

New footage released of kidnapping of 84-year-old Elma Avraham

Avraham, a resident of Nahal Oz, seen in the footage as a terrorist orders her to forcefully exit the kibbutz, while speaking to her in Arabic.

New footage released of kidnapping of 84-year-old Elma Avraham

Deri to Netanyahu:

The vote on Philadelphi was a grave mistake

Report: Shas chairman criticized Prime Minister over the cabinet vote on the Philadelphi corridor but clarified that it must not be reversed.

The vote on Philadelphi was a grave mistake

Protester who spray-painted 'Bibi is a murderer' released

A protester who spray-painted the words "Bibi is a murderer" on one of Prime Minister Netanyahu's security vehicles released under restrictive conditions.

Protester who spray-painted 'Bibi is a murderer' released

Nikki Haley:

'Harris and Biden need to treat Hamas as a terror organization'

Following the murder of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, former US Ambassador to the UN urges Biden and Harris to treat Hamas like a terrorist organization instead of pressuring Israel to agree to a hostage release deal.

'Harris and Biden need to treat Hamas as a terror organization'

Clashes in protests outside PM's residence and Likud headquarters

Clashes erupt between police forces and protesters in the vicinity of ​​the Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem and the Likud headquarters in Tel Aviv.

Clashes in protests outside PM's residence and Likud headquarters

Psychological terror:

Hamas publishes video of murdered hostage Eden Yerushalmi

Hamas publishes a video of Eden Yerushalmi, one of the six hostages who were murdered and whose bodies were retrieved by the IDF.

Hamas publishes video of murdered hostage Eden Yerushalmi

Hamas admits it murdered the 6 hostages

Hamas spokesman makes first admission terror group murdered 6 hostages last week, says instructions for how terrorists deal with hostages will change when the IDF approaches their positions.

Hamas admits it murdered the 6 hostages

Retired judge tears down pictures of fallen soldiers

The judge refused to apologize and claimed 'I am choosing life, they are choosing dead hostages and real estate.'

Retired judge tears down pictures of fallen soldiers

President Biden:

'I spoke to the American hostage'

The US President appeared to claim that he had personally spoken with Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

'I spoke to the American hostage'

Netanyahu responds to Biden:

Asking for Israeli concessions tells Hamas 'kill more hostages'

PM Netanyahu pushes back at criticism he has not done enough to secure a hostage deal, says demanding Israeli concessions right after Hamas murdered 6 hostages sends the wrong message.

Asking for Israeli concessions tells Hamas 'kill more hostages'

Netanyahu on Philadelphi Corridor:

We should withdraw after Hamas murdered 6 hostages in cold blood?

Prime Minister on verge of tears as he delivers address to the nation following the murder of six Israeli hostages by Hamas terrorists in Rafah last week.

We should withdraw after Hamas murdered 6 hostages in cold blood?

Biden says again:

'Hamas leaders must be held accountable for murder of 6 hostages'

US President meets American hostage negotiating team following murder of 6 hostages, including US citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin, reaffirms 'importance of holding Hamas leaders accountable,' White House says.

'Hamas leaders must be held accountable for murder of 6 hostages'

Hersh's mother:

'My sweet boy, finally - finally you're free'

Thousands pay their final respects to American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was murdered in captivity by Hamas terrorists last week.

'My sweet boy, finally - finally you're free'

President Herzog:

'I'm sorry we failed to bring Hersh home safely'

Israeli President speaks at funeral of murdered hostage Hersh Goldin-Polin. 'From here, I call upon the international community: The time to act is now: Bring them home.'

'I'm sorry we failed to bring Hersh home safely'

Psychological terror:

Hamas threatens to release 'last message' of hostages it murdered

In an act of psychological terrorism, the Hamas terrorist organization released a video on the Telegram platform featuring the six hostages the organization murdered last week, threatening to release more footage later today.

Hamas threatens to release 'last message' of hostages it murdered

Ben-Gvir:

'We'll do everything so Netanyahu won't bend'

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir addressed protesters against a hostage deal and said he is using his power in the government to prevent one.

'We'll do everything so Netanyahu won't bend'

Killed hostage's mother:

'Thinking of striking? Do you want to lose your child?'

Iris Haim, whose son Yotam was kidnapped to Gaza on October 7 and accidentally killed as he tried to escape captivity, calls on Israelis to rethink the strike. 'These protests brought us October 7.'

'Thinking of striking? Do you want to lose your child?'

Rabbi Dov Lipman:

'We all feel the need to mourn the brother we never met'

Former MK Rabbi Dov Lipman writes to the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin: 'This letter is not just from me, but from the nation, who echo my feelings at every turn.'

'We all feel the need to mourn the brother we never met'

General strike begins

Malls, banks, and hospitals among business striking

Many business and local authorities refused to heed the call by Histadrut head Arnon Bar-David to cease operations in protest of Israel not reaching a deal with Hamas.

Malls, banks, and hospitals among business striking

Canada demands Hamas surrender

Canadian Prime Minister and opposition leader condemn hostages' murder, call for Hamas terror group to surrender and for its removal from Gaza.

Canada demands Hamas surrender