Hostages in Gaza

Released hostage details sexual assault in captivity

Hostage freed in November describes how her captor assaulted her physically and sexually in New York Times interview.

Hamas rejects new proposal for hostage release deal

Hamas claims that "Israel did not respond to any basic demand" and therefore it was decided to reject the proposal put forward by the mediators last week.

Gallant meets US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan

Defense Minister and US National Security Advisor hold private conference for about 90 minutes about the efforts to release the hostages and defeat Hamas.

Mike Pence:

US refusal to veto is a disgrace

The former Vice President criticized the Biden administration's decision to abstain in the UN Security Council, and demanded that Israel be allowed to 'destroy Hamas once and for all.'

Military Intelligence chief to resign at war's end

Military Intelligence Directorate chief Major General Aharon Haliva tells families of kidnapped soldiers 'we are responsible, we are guilty. I will go home at the end of the war.'

Blinken:

'Ceasefire res. paired ceasefire with hostage release'

US Secretary of State explains why US abstained and allowed the UN Security Council to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan.

Gantz: PM should go to Washington himself

In the wake of the cancelation of the Israeli delegation to Washington, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz called for the Prime Minister to go to Washington to speak directly with President Biden.

Gallant:

'We have no right to stop the war'

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated before his meetings with American officials that Israel must, and would, destroy Hamas.

Prime Minister's Office:

'USA changed position, no delegation to Washington'

Prime Minister Netanyahu has canceled an Israeli delegation to Washington to discuss the operation in Rafah due to the American refusal to veto a resolution in the UN Security Council.

Netanyahu to Americans:

'Veto resolution or I cancel Israeli delegation'

Prime Minister Netanyahu threatened to withdraw the delegation to Washington to discuss the upcoming operation in Rafah is the USA does not veto a UN resolution that does not call for the release of the hostages.

Jerusalem

United on Purim Procession through streets of Jerusalem

United on Purim Procession was held in the shadows of the war, led by the hostages’ families and Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion.

Toys and a pink closet:

The room where Liri Albag and other hostages were held

Family of the abducted soldier revealed documentation from the room where she was held during the first days of captivity in Gaza. The IDF found blood stains in the room and DNA of other hostages.

New York:

Protesters in Central Park call for hostages' release

Demonstrators wear Batman masks and black capes, in honor of four-year-old Ariel Bibas and his baby brother Kfir, who were kidnapped on October 7.

Hamas official:

'The talks in Doha on a ceasefire have hit a snag'

Senior Hamas official: The position of the resistance is stable, and it will never agree to accept the framework that Tel Aviv promotes as part of a surrender agreement.

Monday in Jerusalem:

Purim Procession to be led by hostages' families

The "United in Purim" parade in Jerusalem will be led by a display honoring the hostages held in Gaza for 171 days, alongside 134 yellow cranes representing each hostage.

Defense Min. takes off for US visit

Defense Min. takes off for official visit to the US, promises to focus on preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge, achieving common goals of victory over Hamas, returning hostages home.

Hostage's Brother:

'He said 'Shema Yisrael, they've captured us''

The brother of hostage Ohad Ben-Ami was exchanging text messages with Ohad when Hamas terrorists breached their home.

Report:

Israel demanding return of Hadar Goldin, Oron Shaul

Israel seeking return of bodies of soldiers murdered and kidnapped 10 years ago, rejects Hamas demand 30 terrorists be freed for every freed female soldier.

Psychological terror:

Hamas claims hostage has died

Hamas spokesman claims one of the hostages died as a result of a lack of medicine and food. In accordance with the family's request, we refrain from publishing his name.

Former Minister:

'We hope our fallen son supports a deal'

Former Minister Izhar Shay asked permission this evening from his son, killed in action on October 7th, to support a prisoner exchange deal.

Hostages' relatives to Biden:

'Push all parties to agree to the deal'

Relatives of 81 hostages being held by Hamas send letter to US President, urge him to press Netanyahu and all other parties to reach an agreement to secure the release of their relatives.

US to submit draft UNSC resolution on Gaza

US says the new resolution will urge "an immediate ceasefire" in Gaza linked to the release of the hostages held by Hamas.

South African Jews 'fight back' on Human Rights Day

As their government aligns with Hamas and Iran, South African Jews turned several Johannesburg suburbs yellow by tying yellow ribbons around trees in support of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Per hostages' families' request

Jerusalem Purim parade to undergo changes

This year's Purim parade will be called 'Purim United' and the music during the parade will be at a lower volume.

Watch:

Hour of Jewish unity for the release of the hostages

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum will host a global hour of Jewish unity and prayer at the Western Wall and will end with the Shema prayer.

Blinken:

'Hostage release deal is very much possible'

Secretary of State optimistic that deal is close: If Hamas cares about the people it purports to represent, then it would reach an agreement.

1/4 pita, cheese, and olives

Hostages' families give mishloach manot to MKs

Breaking the Purim tradition, the mishloach manot, which usually consists of sweets, contained a quarter pita, a spoonful of cheese, and two olives – the amount of food that the hostages have been receiving for 166 days.

Global hour of Jewish Unity:

Special prayer for hostages held at Kotel tomorrow

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum will host a global hour of Jewish unity and prayer at the Western Wall, that will be live broadcast worldwide tomorrow (Thursday), from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m, ending with the Shema prayer.

President to honor 3 hostages killed in Gaza tragedy

President Herzog to honor the three hostages, Yotam Haim, Samer Talalka and Alon Shamriz, who were tragically killed by IDF forces while escaping Hamas captivity.

Ben Gvir, Smotrich announced:

'If murderers are released, we'll leave the gov't'

TV report: Finance Minister and National Security Minister said in closed conversations that they would leave the government if terrorist murderers were to be released.

Video showing kidnapping of IDF soldier located

IDF finds video of the kidnapping of soldier Oz Daniel. Hamas edited the video so that it would appear that Daniel was kidnapped while he was still alive.

Watch:

Funeral held for Cpt. Daniel Perez

The IDF on Sunday announced that it determined that Daniel was killed in action on October 7th and that Hamas was holding his body. Daniel was the son of Rabbi Doron Perez, the CEO of the World Mizrachi movement.

A sad birthday

Birthdays of two hostages marked in the Knesset

The families of the hostages came to the Knesset to mark the birthdays of Shlomo Mansour (86) and Doron Steinbrecher (31) who are being held captive by Hamas.

Biden to Irish PM:

'Two-state solution the only path to lasting peace'

US President Joe Biden hosts Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, calls for increase in the scope of humanitarian aid to Gaza and for a hostage release deal.

Former Minister:

'Release my son's murderer for hostages'

Former Minister Izhar Shay says he would be happy to watch the execution of the terrorist who murdered his son on October 7, but would prefer that he be released in exchange for hostages.

Cabinet approves:

Mandate for Israeli negotiating team

Political-Security Cabinet meeting concludes after more than three hours. Cabinet approves departure of Israeli delegation to Doha for talks on hostage release deal.

Cleared for publication:

Cpt. Daniel Perez killed on 10/7, body held by Hamas

Daniel Perez, 22 from Yad Binyamin, served as a platoon commander in the 78th Battalion of the 7th Formation. His body is currently being held hostage by Hamas. A funeral is being planned for tomorrow, to be followed by Shiva.

Report:

Hostage deal drafted by ex-MK suspected of spying

Former MK Azmi Bishara, who left Israel following suspicions of espionage, now serves as a senior advisor to Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

President Herzog:

'The hostages must remain above all controversy'

President Herzog pledged to do everything possible to recover the hostages at the ceremony held today for soldiers whose grave is unknown.

Blinken, Bahrain Crown Prince discuss hostage deal

US Secretary of State meets Bahraini Crown Prince in Manama to discuss potential ceasefire-hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

Hostage celebrates 80th birthday

'How is he in Gaza while the world remains silent?'

Loved ones of hostages were joined by the ambassadors of France and Germany to call for the hostages' release.

PM didn't answer, Gallant calls special meeting

Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant announced on Saturday that he convened a special meeting this evening with IDF, Mossad, and Shin Bet officials and representatives of the hostage negotiations team to discuss Israel's efforts to free the hostages.

Hamas demands:

800 terrorists for 40 hostages

The terror organization is demanding that in the first stage, Israel would retreat from al-Rashid and Salah al-Din streets to allow the displaced Gazans to return to the northern Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu approves plan for Rafah

The Prime Minister has approved the plan of action for Rafah. The IDF is preparing for operational action and to evacuate the populace.

Hostage's sister after UN visit:

'There is a change, Israel must use rape report'

Yarden Gonen, whose sister is held by Hamas, reviews the UN Security Council meeting regarding Hamas sexual crimes.

Report:

IDF to launch limited rescue operations in Rafah

Lebanese newspaper reports Israel has informed Egypt and received US approval for 'pinpoint' operations in Rafah to rescue hostages.

Hamas's ceasefire proposal

Terror group would release women, children, elderly, and sick in exchange for 700-1,000 terrorists, start of talks on permanent ceasefire.

Hostage release deal:

Hamas submits response, Cabinet to convene

The Cabinet will meet on Friday afternoon and discuss Hamas' response to the deal. Prime Minister’s Office: Hamas continues making preposterous demands.

Netanyahu to hostage families:

'We are starting to see Qatar's pressure on Hamas'

PM Netanyahu met with representatives of the hostage families: "Until now we haven’t received a real response from Hamas."

Sarkozy to hostages' families:

'Silence is a death sentence for the hostages'

Families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza meet former French President Nicolas Sarkozy at his residence in Paris.

Freed hostage:

'Nurses at Gaza hospital were cheering'

Judith Raanan, who was kidnapped together with her daughter on October 7 and freed 13 days later, shares her experience in TV interview.

Former hostage:

'Hamas spat on, slapped me during surgery'

Itay Regev, who was freed from Hamas captivity in November, describes to the BBC how horrific his treatment was, including being forced to undergo surgery to remove a bullet without painkillers.

Biden reacts to death of Itay Chen:

'Devastated, won't stop trying to get hostages home'

US President reacts to killing of US citizen Itay Chen and the abduction of his body by Hamas, reiterates 'commitment' to families of the hostages.

Hostages' cousin to CNN:

'When you look at your kids, remember their faces'

In an emotional conversation, six men and women whose loved ones were taken hostage by Hamas told Jake Tapper about their feelings, expectations from the world, and hopes.

'Why did they abduct my brothers?'

Relative of hostages confronts PA ambassador at UN

Ali a-Ziyadna berated Palestinian Authority Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour following a Security Council meeting that discussed Hamas's sexual violence.

CIA director:

'A ceasefire and hostage deal is critical'

CIA director William Burns tells Senators the parties are trying to broker a deal for a six-week ceasefire that would allow for the release of 40 hostages as well as Palestinian Arab prisoners being held in Israel.

Calls for release of hostages

PM's wife writes to Emir of Qatar's mother

Sara Netanyahu sends personal letter to the Emir of Qatar's mother on the occasion of Ramadan and for the release of the hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.

Erdan on UN chief:

'He cares more about terrorists than about hostages'

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN slams UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who called Israel’s war against Hamas a “catastrophic onslaught” against Gaza.

Jonathan Pollard:

'I am seriously considering entering politics'

'Something in this state needs to change, and I want to be a part of that change. I have no personal interests, only the land and people of Israel,' Pollard said in an interview.

'What you're doing is very brave'

Michael Rapaport speaks to hostage families

The Jewish-American actor spoke over the radio with family members of hostages who were traveling to testify before the UN Security Council.