Hostages in Gaza

Itay Chen laid to rest:

'For over two years I tried to keep you alive'

Staff Sgt. Itay Chen, 19, killed on October 7 and recently returned from Gaza, was laid to rest in Kiryat Shaul as Israel mourns a beloved son and national hero.

‘Love that moves nations’:

Steve Witkoff pays tribute to Itay Chen

Speaking at the funeral of Sgt. Itay Chen, US Envoy Steve Witkoff praised his bravery on October 7 and said, 'Itay helped heal a part of my own heart.'

After Hamas video release:

Uncertainty surrounds return of Lt. Hadar Goldin’s body

Hours after Hamas claimed to have located the body of killed and kidnapped IDF officer Lt. Hadar Goldin in Rafah, the terrorist organization announces it plans to return Goldin's body at 2pm.

Father Of Hostage:

'No partnership with those pushing the two-state solution'

Tzvika Mor, whose son was taken hostage, denounced Haaretz for an article criticizing him.

Captivity survivor calls for return of Hadar Goldin's body

Hamas captivity survivor Matan Angrest joins Hostages Square rally, calling for the return of fallen IDF soldier Hadar Goldin's body from Gaza.

MDA mourns deceased hostage and longtime volunteer Lior Rudaeff

Magen David Adom mourns volunteer EMT Lior Rudaeff, whose body was returned from Gaza for burial in Israel.

Body of deceased hostage Lior Rudaeff returned to Israel

Warrant Officer (res.) Lior Rudaeff, aged 61 from Nir Yitzhak, served as deputy security coordinator and a member of the rapid response team.

Hamas claims to have found body of IDF soldier Hadar Goldin

Hamas source tells Al Jazeera that the body of IDF soldier Hadar Goldin, killed and abducted in 2014, has been found near Rafah.

Israel receives body of murdered hostage from Red Cross in Gaza

Israel receives a murdered hostage’s body via Red Cross in Gaza. The coffin will undergo identification after a military ceremony. Six hostage bodies remain in Gaza, despite Hamas’s obligation to return them.

Moving video:

Ishay Ribo performs at Omer Neutra's funeral

Israeli singer Ishay Ribo moves family and friends of fallen American-Israeli IDF soldier Omer Neutra as he was laid to rest after being returned from Hamas captivity.

2 years after falling

American-Israeli IDF soldier Omer Neutra laid to rest

Omer, a Lone Soldier from Long Island, was buried in a military cemetary following the return of his body 2 years after he was murdered and abducted.

Herzog at funeral

'All nations must stand with humanity, bring all hostages home'

President Herzog delivers eulogy at the funeral of Israeli-American soldier Captain Omer Neutra.

Rom Braslavski:

'They tortured me because I’m Jewish'

Captivity survivor Rom Braslavski recounts the severe abuse he endured in captivity and clarifies: “Not because of Ben Gvir or Netanyahu - they tortured me because I’m Jewish.”

Freed hostages call out: Keep Shabbat

Four recently released hostages urge Jews around the world to embrace Shabbat: “It gave us strength even in the harshest conditions.”

Staff Sgt Oz Daniel, returned from Gaza, is laid to rest

Staff Sergeant Oz Daniel, may his memory be a blessing, who was returned this week, was laid to rest today at the Kfar Saba military cemetery.

Body of foreign student Joshua Loitu Mollel returned to Israel

Joshua Loitu Mollel, was an agricultural student from Tanzania who came to Kibbutz Nahal Oz just weeks before the October 7 massacre, when he was killed and his body abducted to Gaza.

‘The Troll’ eliminated: Former hostage responds

Segev Kalfon reacts to the elimination of the terrorist known as “The Troll,” who held him captive during his time in Hamas captivity. “A bullet that kills a terrorist doesn’t close the story.”

Matan Emunah Essay:

Rachel is still weeping, waiting for them all to come home.

Mothers are always praying for their children, even when they aren’t aware of doing it.

Coffin said to be holding deceased hostage crosses into Israel

The IDF and Shin Bet announced that a coffin said to be carrying a deceased hostage, escorted by IDF troops, crossed the border into the State of Israel.

IDF clarifies:

No information indicating Hadar Goldin’s body is in Rafah tunnel

Israeli officials say the body of the soldier, who fell in 2014, is being held in a tunnel in an Israeli-controlled area of Rafah, where 150 terrorists are entrenched.

'To crush my dignity'

Captivity survivor reveals sexual abuse by Hamas captors

Rom Braslavski, who survived 2 years in Hamas's clutches, describes for the first time the physical, mental, and sexual abuse his captors inflicted on him.

IDF confirms:

Terrorist who held six Israeli hostages eliminated

Zaid al-Hadi who held Bar Kuperstein, Ohad Ben Ami, Maxim Herkin, Elkana Bohbot, Segev Kalfon, and Yosef-Haim Ohana in captivity, was eliminated after Hamas violated the ceasefire.

Itay Chen's family

'We will not stop until the last hostage returns home'

Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen, says: “Our personal journey may have reached its conclusion, but not the hostage families’ collective journey - we will NOT rest, will NOT stop, until the last hostage returns home”

Body of murdered hostage Sgt. Itay Chen returned to Israel

Prime Minister’s Office announces that the body of abducted fallen soldier Sergeant Itay Chen has been returned to Israel. Hamas continues to hold the bodies of seven murdered hostages.

Hamas:

Body of murdered Israeli civilian to be returned tonight

The bodies of eight hostages continue to be held in Gaza.

NYC honors Cpt. Omer Neutra

A hometown hero finally brought home

Hundreds gathered at Columbus Circle to honor Captain Omer Neutra z”l, a NY native whose body was held by Hamas for 758 days, and to call for the return of the eight hostages still in Gaza.

'Look me in the eye'

Hadar Goldin's sister's demand from the Prime Minister

After meeting Gal Hirsch, relatives of the final hostages still in Gaza demanded the war-ending deal be fulfilled, including the return of all deceased held by Hamas in Gaza.

Neutra family speaks out:

'Our Omer is on Israeli soil, at last'

Neutra family issues first public statement in Tel Aviv, honoring their son’s legacy, thanking key figures for their efforts, and urging continued action for hostages.

How Red Cross and Hamas are working to recover hostage bodies

Hamas has formed special teams to locate and guard the bodies of slain Israeli hostages in Gaza, reportedly working with the Red Cross and Egyptian crews near the Yellow Line.

Max Herkin:

Faith in the Jewish people kept me strong in captivity

Jewish Agency heads Doron Almog and Mark Wilf visited Capt. Maxim Herkin, a Supernova survivor recently freed from Hamas captivity, who shared his ordeal and enduring faith.

Watch:

Released hostage Segev Kalfon removes his photograph

Hostage survivor Segev Kalfon removes his photograph that was pasted during the war on an intensive care unit at the Magen David Adom station in Dimona.

Three bodies of hostages returned

Bodies of three hostages identified

Israel receives coffins of three deceased hostages which were taken to the National Center for Forensic Medicine and identified as Omer Neutra, Asaf Hamami and Oz Daniel.

Merz speaks to Netanyahu

'Ceasefire must hold, hostage remains must be returned'

German Chancellor Merz speaks to Prime Minister Netanyahu, urges Hamas to return the remains of hostages and uphold the Gaza ceasefire.

Former hostage Alon Ohel undergoes eye, shoulder surgeries

Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva reports that former hostage Alon Ohel has undergone complex eye surgery and an orthopedic procedure, during which a fragment was successfully removed from his shoulder.

Two Years Later:

Nitzan Alon to leave Prisoners and Missing Person Command

Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon will end his role as head of the Prisoners and Missing Persons Command after requesting to conclude his service.

Mother of released hostage:

Hostages suffered after release of the Sde Teiman video

Ditza Or, mother of released hostage Avinatan Or, speaks about the harsh conditions of Hamas captivity, and says that the military Attorney General must, 'apologize to all the hostages.'

Amiram Cooper laid to rest after two years in Hamas captivity

The funeral of Amiram Cooper z"l was held today at Kibbutz Nir Oz, where masses gathered to accompany him on his final journey.

Eitan Mor recites thanksgiving blessing after surviving captivity

In emotional moment, released hostage recites 'Hagomel' blessing at synagogue dedicated to his release.

Freed hostage Evyatar David publishes first social media post

Evyatar David, who was held in Hamas captivity for two years, publishes his first social media post since his release from captivity, thanking the nation for their support.

Senior commander reveals that he is deceased hostage's uncle

Tomorrow Sahar Baruch will be laid to rest in Be'eri. He was killed in captivity during a failed Sayeret Matkal rescue operation in December 2023.

Hamas demanding heavy equipment to retrieve hostages' bodies

Hamas announces willingness to search for hostages' remains in IDF-controlled territory, demands heavy equipment.

Iris Haim condemns honorary degree granted to activist mother

Iris Haim, mother of hostage Yotam Haim who was killed in IDF error, condemns honorary degree granted to Einav Zangauker, stridently anti-Netanyahu mother of released hostage Matan Zangauker.

Israeli source:

Remains transferred Friday not of Israeli hostages

Israel says remains of three bodies transferred Friday not a match for any hostages; Hamas shifts blame to Israel.

Red Cross transfers three bodies to Israel

Red Cross transfers three bodies from Gaza to Israel for identification amid reports that Hamas may send remains not clearly linked to hostages.

Captivity survivor Omri Miran:

'Keep going until the last hostage comes home'

Captivity survivor Omri Miran visits Hostages Square, thanking the Nahal Oz community and urging continued support for the 11 hostages still being held: “Let’s keep going until the last hostage comes home.”

Moving:

Captivity survivor Bar Kupershtein dons tefillin at Hostages Sq.

Crowds gather at Hostages Square, praying with released hostage Bar Kupershtein as he dons tefillin and prays for the return of the deceased hostages.

New details on rescue operation in which Sahar Baruch was killed

As Sahar Baruch’s body is returned to Israel under the terms of the agreement, new details surface about the failed rescue operation. A military probe has not determined whether he was killed by Hamas or IDF fire.

Maxim Herkin reveals: This is how Hamas’s videos were staged

In an interview with the program "Uvda", Maxim Herkin reveals that the Hamas videos in which he appeared were staged, using tomato paste, sand, and bandages. “If you want to get out of here - cooperate with us,” he was told.

Captivity survivor surprises the Jerusalemites

Rom Braslavski, recently freed from Hamas captivity, moved thousands with a heartfelt message to the “Yerushalmim V'Yerushalmiot” group after two years of silence.

Bodies of murdered hostages Amiram Cooper, Sahar Baruch returned

Two caskets of what are said to be hostages were brought to Israel and were taken to the National Institute for Forensic Medicine for identification.

Captivity survivor calls on public to put on tefillin with him

Bar Kuperstein, who recently returned from captivity in Gaza, is calling on the public to join him tomorrow at 10:00 AM at Hostages Square to put on tefillin for the release of the bodies of the murdered hostages.

Heartbreaking:

Ofir Tzarfati laid to rest - for a third time

Hundreds gathered at Ofir Tzarfati’s grave for a third time after additional remains returned from Hamas captivity. His grieving family mourned anew at the reopened grave.

Hostages Families Forum sends warning to haredi protest group

Hostages Families Forum sends cease and desist warning to Ateret Shlomo Yeshiva in Beit Shemesh, claiming 'cynical, degrading, and unlawful use' of symbols of fight for hostages' return.

Herzog to African faith leaders:

'Hamas must return Tanzanian Hostage'

President Herzog urged the immediate return of Tanzanian hostage Joshua Mollel’s body during a meeting with African Christian leaders, calling Hamas's actions a ceasefire violation.

Minister Strock to Arutz Sheva

'Without real pain, Hamas won't return murdered hostages'

Minister of National Missions says Israel has effective ways to pressure Hamas to return the bodies of the murdered hostages.

Edan Alexander returns to the IDF; promoted to Sergeant 1st class

American-Israeli Edan Alexander, who survived Hamas captivity in Gaza, was promoted today to Sergeant 1st class in a moving ceremony attended by the Head of the IDF Personnel Directorate.

IDF announces: Gaza ceasefire renews, 30 terrorists struck

IDF concludes series of 'significant strikes' in Gaza following Hamas attacks on IDF troops which left one soldier dead.

Exploiting ceasefire:

Hamas searching for weapons instead of deceased hostages

Hamas terrorists enter territory controlled by IDF under pretense of searching for bodies of deceased hostages, but search for weapons instead, security sources reveal.

Red Cross slams Hamas for staging fake hostage recovery

The Red Cross condemns Hamas for staging the recovery of a hostage’s remains, saying its staff were misled and calling the act “unacceptable”.

Channel 12 News analyst:

'Hamas exploiting US stance to harm Israel'

Ohad Hemo assesses Hamas tactics: “They’re playing a double game and acting with excessive confidence, based on the assumption that Trump does not want to reignite the war.”