Hostage Deal

Argentina to declare day of mourning for hostages

Argentinian president Javier Milei is expected to declare a national day of mourning for the Bibas brothers, who held Argentine citizenship.

Deported terrorist interviewed at Hamas ceremony

Mohammed Abu Warda, released from Israeli prison as part of the hostage deal, was sent to Gaza after Egypt refused to accept his deportation.

Watch: Mourning together at Hostages Square

Crowd gathers at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, waving Israeli flags and some wearing orange hats or shirts, in solidarity with the Bibas family.

Cost of the Deal:

602 security prisoners to be released from Israeli prisons

The prisoners include those serving life sentences and individuals arrested for additional offenses following a previous release as part of the Shalit deal.

Innocents in Gaza?

Children and infants attend Hamas 'ceremony' for hostage release

Hundreds of Gazan civilians, including infants and children, attend Hamas cynical 'release ceremony' showing off bodies of four killed hostages.

Ari Fuld's brother:

We're happy hostages are returning, pained at terrorists' release

Eitan Fuld, brother of terror victim Ari Fuld who was murdered in Gush Etzion, shares his family's reaction to the news that Ari's murderer will be released in the Hamas deal.

Hamas to return bodies of Shiri Bibas, her sons and Oded Lifshitz

Handover of Shiri Bibas, her young sons Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz, to begin at approximately 8:00 a.m.

Stefanik after hostage news:

'Never been more important to show our support for Israel'

Elise Stefanik, US Ambassador-Designate to the UN, stresses importance of support for Israel after announcement that the bodies of Shiri Bibas and her young sons Ariel and Kfir will be returned: This must not be Israel’s fight alone but a fight between good and evil.

Agam Berger reveals:

This is how I kept Shabbat and Mitzvot in captivity

Agam Berger, one of the IDF lookouts who was freed from Hamas captivity, meets Rabbanit Tzili Schneider, chairwoman of the "Kesher Yehudi" organization, reveals how she observed Shabbat and the holidays, and fasted on fast days.

Keith Siegel's daughter:

'Dad survived thanks to reciting blessings and Shema Yisrael'

Keith Siegel's daughter, Shir, tells of the strength her father found in the Jewish faith during his time in captivity.

Bereavement amid uncertainty:

Families of deceased hostages face trauma, loss, and neglect

New report reveals severe mental and physical toll on families of deceased hostages. Urgent findings presented in special Zoom briefing with health experts and parents of a hostage.

Bibas family:

'Entire country has become casualty officers knocking on door'

Ofri Bibas, the sister of Yarden Bibas, expressed anger over the publication of the list of names of the four hostages whose bodies will be returned tomorrow without the publication being coordinated with their families.

Due to hostages' return:

IDF Chief of Staff ends US visit early

During his official visit, Halevi held a series of meetings with senior officials in the United States Armed Forces.

Netanyahu:

'Tomorrow will be a day of sorrow for Israel'

PM tells nation the return of the bodies of four hostages will be extremely painful. 'The heart of the entire world needs to be torn, because here we see who we are dealing with, what we are dealing with, what monsters we are dealing with.'

Kaddish and Psalms in Gaza:

IDF prepares to receive deceased hostages from Hamas

The IDF will receive the bodies of four slain hostages in the Gaza Strip with a full military ceremony.

Haredi minister to Keith Siegel:

I will continue to support every deal

Construction and Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf meets release hostage Keith Siegel at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, says his thoughts are always with the hostages still in Gaza. 'Your descriptions support what we knew - this is a matter of life-and-death, and about saving lives.'

Hamas moved up the release?

'New level of absurdity and reverberating propaganda'

Source in Prime Minister's Office says Hamas agreement to release six living hostages on Saturday stems from decision to make changes to negotiating team.

Jewish blood on their hands:

Ari Fuld's murderer to be released

Nael Barghouti, who murdered Mordechai Yekuel in 1978, and Abu Ghanem, convicted of murders of Haim Haviv, Alon Govberg, and Richard Lakin, in 2015, among terrorists to be released in hostage deal.

Released hostage reveals:

'My brother and I were held together until the last day'

'The only thing I need is for you to bring my brother back,' says released hostage Iair Horn, who was held with his brother Eitan in a Hamas tunnel until his release.

As part of deal:

Gazans suspected of involvement in October 7 to be released

Under the agreement with Hamas, approximately 1,000 Gazans arrested after October 7 will be released, including Gazans who fired rockets, Hamas officials, and a Gaza resident who held hostages.

Hamas:

'Ready for phase two to be implemented in one move'

Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip claims that Hamas needs heavy mechanical equipment not only to clear rubble but also to retrieve the bodies of hostages killed in IDF strikes.

Macron supports Bibas family:

'France mobilized for the release of all hostages'

French President shares photo of Bibas family, after Hamas claims that Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas will be returned as part of the release of bodies of hostages: Shiri, Kfir, Ariel. Faces of innocence and love.

Minister Ron Dermer to lead negotiations on phase 2 of ceasefire

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer has been appointed to lead Israel's negotiations on the second phase of the hostage deal with Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff.

Families announce:

These 6 hostages will be released on Saturday

The families of Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, Omer Wenkert, Hisham al-Sayed, and Avera Mengistu announce that they will be among the 6 living hostages who will be released this Saturday.

Shiri, Ariel & Kfir:

'We heard reports, haven't received official update'

Bibas family responds to Hamas reports on the return of their loved ones with the dead bodies: 'We haven't received any official update. Until we are certain, our journey will not end.'

Hostage's partner notified he will be released on Saturday

Hostage Eliya Cohen's partner, Ziv, announces she received notification he will be released on Saturday.

Hostage's wife to Hungarian Pres.:

'My daughters need their father'

President Herzog participates in state ceremony in Hungary and, together with Hungarian President, meets family of hostage Omri Miran and Holocaust survivor Aharon Shabo and his family.

Hamas to release 6 living & 4 deceased hostages by Saturday

Khalil al-Haya confirmed that the group has decided to release four bodies on Thursday and to release six hostages on Saturday, in return for the release of the Palestinian prisoners.

Israel's offer to Hamas

Heavy vehicles in return for 6 living hostages by Saturday

A senior Israeli official said that Israel would allow heavy vehicles to enter Gaza for the removal of rubble if Hamas would release six living hostages by Saturday.

Brother of freed hostage:

'Keith is thinking about those who are still in Gaza'

Brother of Keith Siegel, who was released from captivity, speaks about what strengthened his brother's spirit while in captivity, and about his feelings today.

Steve Witkoff:

'We are not leaving anybody behind'

Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East speaks at Miami event marking the closing of exhibit in memory of the victims of the Nova Music Festival, reiterates administration's commitment to securing the release of all the hostages.

Noa Argamani in Miami:

'We have to bring an end to this nightmare'

Noa Argamani, who was rescued from Hamas captivity, speaks at exhibit in Miami in memory of the victims of the Nova Music Festival, calls for implementation of phase 2 of the hostage deal.

Aviva Siegel reveals:

'The terrorist pointed a gun at Keith and threatened to kill him'

Aviva Siegel, wife of freed hostage Keith Siegel, describes at a rally in Tel Aviv the unimaginable suffering of those being held in Gaza.

Poll:

68% support Trump's plan for Gaza

According to a new poll published by Channel 12 News, 68 percent of the Israeli public supports US President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza.

Report:

Mediators seek to delay release of hostages

Egypt and Qatar, the mediating countries in the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, may try to delay release of hostages until a lasting peace is determined.

Former hostage Iair Horn:

'I need only 1 thing, bring back my brother and all hostages'

Hamas captivity survivor Iair Horn, who was released this past Saturday, asked to share a video message at the rally currently taking place at the Hostages Square marking 500 days.

First sign of life from hostage David Cunio

Family members of David Cunio say that they received the first sign of life for him from former hostages who were recently released.

Report:

Israel preparing to receive the bodies of 5 hostages this week

The bodies of 5 hostages who were killed in captivity could be returned as early as this Thursday, according to a new report. 3 more hostages are also scheduled for release on Saturday.

Released Hostage:

'I pray we will soon be together again'

Emily Damari prayed at the Western Wall for the release of hostages held by Hamas for 500 days, expressing hope and faith for their swift return.

'Do a good deed for the hostages'

Agam Berger speaks for first time since her release

After returning from captivity, Agam Berger releases a video calling on the people of Israel to demonstrate unity and do good deeds for the sake of the hostages.

Ofer Calderon's uncle: Hamas stuffed him ahead of his release

Shami Calderon, uncle of released hostage Ofer Calderon, says Hamas terrorists stuffed Ofer ahead of his release in ceasefire deal. 'Three months before his release he weighed 25 kilograms less.'

Cabinet to meet to discuss negotiations on second stage of deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that negotiations for the second stage of the deal with Hamas would not begin without the Cabinet's approval, report says.

Chief Rabbi of Russia:

'Putin is involved in the efforts to release the hostages'

Rabbi Berel Lazar reveals the depth of the Russian involvement in the hostage crisis and describes the extensive diplomatic efforts led by President Putin.

Watch:

Freed IDF lookouts surprised by Idan Amedi

Chef Orel Lati holds special event for the five IDF lookouts who were recently released from Hamas captivity, featuring singer Idan Amedi.

Soldiers to their commander:

'We will not be cannon fodder for deals of surrender'

Soldiers in the Carmeli Brigade send sharply worded letter to the brigade commander, expressing frustration with the situation on the ground and with the deal with Hamas.

Former Biden adviser:

'Hamas is the one that blocked hostage deal'

Brett McGurk, who served as White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa during the Biden administration, states in op-ed in The Washington Post that Hamas is directly responsible for the delay in achieving a hostage release deal.

Trump on ultimatum to Hamas:

'Up to Israel what to do next, in consultation with me'

US President comments on the ultimatum he gave to Hamas that it must release all the hostages. "I told Bibi, you do whatever you want...the next step is up to Israel, in consultation with me."

Avital Dekel-Chen:

Shahar saw her father for the first time in real life

Yelena Troufanov says that her son Sasha was shot in both legs on 10/7, 'It is a miracle that he is standing.' Avital Dekel-Chen thanks the people of Israel for their support.

PM speaks to US Special Envoy:

'Cabinet to discuss 2nd stage tomorrow; mission leaves for Cairo'

PM Netanyahu spoke to US Presidential Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and updated him on discussions to be held tomorrow on the second stage of the hostage deal.

What do everyday Israelis think about Trump's plan for Gaza?

American journalist Nate Friedman takes to the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to find out what Israelis think about the hostage deal, US President Trump, his plan for Gaza, and other hot-button issues.

Supreme Court denies petition for transparency on hostage deal

The Israeli Supreme Court stated that the principle of transparency is overruled by the government's legal right to withhold publication of an agreement that involves state security and foreign affairs.

Diaspora Affairs Minister:

'European right-wing has a point, they realize the problem'

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli spoke to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations about antisemitism and his opposition to the current hostage deal.

Released hostage Sasha Troufanov dons Tefilin for the first time

Sasha Troufanov put on Tefilin for the first time the day after returning from captivity.

Watch:

'I talked about you while in captivity'

Ohad Ben-Ami, recently released from Hamas captivity, requested to meet Maor Cohen, known for distributing LEGO kits to hospitalized children.

Report: Netanyahu blocking mobile homes from Gaza

Israel is still not authorizing mobile homes and engineering vehicles to enter Gaza despite footage appearing to show them being allowed through the Rafah crossing.

Colombian President links hostage to solidarity with Palestinians

Colombian President Gustavo Petro links sign of life from Colombian-Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot to his country's solidarity with Palestinian Arabs, posts video with map showing "Palestine" covering the territory of Israel.

Hostage release:

Argentine President praises Trump, calls for Hamas defeat

Argentinian President Javier Milei acknowledges Trump's role in deal that led to release of Argentinian-Israeli citizen Yair Horn, says Argentina hopes for swift resolution to the conflict with "the absolute defeat of Hamas."

Biden ‘proud’ of hostage deal as Sagui Dekel-Chen is freed

Former US President welcomes the release of US citizen Sagui Dekel-Chen from captivity: I am proud that the deal we negotiated has held, paving the way for the release of hostages. Former VP Harris: All the hostages remaining in Gaza, including Americans, must be brought home.

Terror victims:

'The images of victory will increase terrorism'

Almagor Terror Victims Association says the images of released terrorists strengthen Palestinian Arab terror and encourage the enlistment of more terrorists.

Israeli official: We're weighing bringing caravans into Gaza

Israel and the US are pushing for an additional hostage release in the next few days - or the release of all six living hostages next Saturday.