Hostage Deal

PMO:

'Setter is a baldfaced liar'

The Prime Minister's Office published a scathing denouncement of Brig. Gen. (res.) Oren Setter, former member of the hostage negotiating team, alleging he leaked information that impeded negotiations.

Hamas slams Trump: US must force Israel to keep agreement

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasem says US must force Israel to implement ceasefire deal if it is interested in the hostages' lives.

President Trump:

'Israel must choose what to do, we will support any decision'

Donald Trump wrote that Israel would have American backing for any steps taken in response to Hamas not freeing all the hostages on Saturday.

'A gift for his wife'

Terrorists told Sagui of daughter's birth, gave gift for his wife

Terrorists told hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen of his daughter's birth while he was in captivity, gave him earrings to give his wife as a gift; Sasha Troufanov was informed in captivity of his father Vitaly's death, and burst into tears.

Cost of the Deal:

369 terrorists released from Israeli custody

With the implementation of the sixth round of the deal, 369 security prisoners were released and transferred to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the Gaza Strip.

Psychological Terrorism:

Hamas displays photos of hostages captioned 'Time's running out'

On the stage of the hostage release rally were placards with messages against Trump's Gaza plan and an hourglass 'dedicated' to the Tzangauker family.

'She's such a strong woman'

Sasha meets his mother, and his girlfriend Sapir

Watch: Sasha Troufanov reunites with his mother, Yelena, and his partner Sapir Cohen at the initial reception point in Israel.

'Wow, you're a champ!'

Yair Horn meets his father in the hospital

Yair Horn meets mother Ruth and brother Amos at the initial reception point in Israel, and afterwards meets his father Yitzhak at Ichilov Hospital. Watch.

Sagui hears his infant daughter's name for the first time

After 498 days in Hamas captivity, family of hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen watches his release from his wife Avital's apartment in Carmei Gat, and from the town of Gvaot Bar.

Moving:

'Thanks for watching over me, Daddy is on the way'

Watch the moving moments when released hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen meets his family, and as he makes his way to an IDF helicopter. 'Bari, Gali, and Shachar - thanks for watching over me, Daddy is on his way.'

After nearly 500 days:

Iair, Sagui, and Sasha are back in Israel

Sagui Dekel-Chen was informed of his daughter's birth, Sasha Troufanov of the murder of his father Vitaly. All three have arrived in hospitals in central Israel.

Trump:

'I would take a hard stance on Gaza'

Ahead of release of three hostages by Hamas scheduled for Saturday, US President says he would take a hard stance on Gaza, but is not sure what Israel will do.

Due to pneumonia

Released hostage Ofer Calderon readmitted to hospital

Ofer Calderon, who was released from captivity two weeks ago, readmitted to Sheba Hospital after contracting the flu which developed into pneumonia. His family says his condition is improving and he is expected to be discharged soon.

Captivity survivor Or Levy visits Hostages Square

Or spoke about how despite learning the terrible news of his wife's murder, 'I promised her every day I was there that I would keep going and I would be tough for her.'

Israel backs down:

Sagui, Sasha, and Yair to be released on Saturday

Despite Israel's threat earlier in the week calling for the release of all hostages by Saturday at noon, Israel accepted Hamas's notification that it will release only three hostages, among them, US and Russian citizens.

Hostage's father slams Netanyahu:

'Implement Trump's ultimatum, there won't be another chance'

Yaron Or, the father of Avinatan Or, who is celebrating his 32nd birthday today in Hamas captivity, called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to demand the return of all the hostages tomorrow and not abandon the dozens of remaining hostages to starvation and torture.

Hamas confirms:

Negotiations on phase 2 of hostage deal have yet to begin

Hamas spokesperson claims the organization is ready to release hostages on Saturday if Israel fulfills its commitments. Senior Hamas official confirms that negotiations on phase 2 have not yet begun.

Agam Berger's father:

'The girls prayed and tried to keep Shabbat in captivity'

Shlomi Berger, the father of Agam Berger, who was released from Hamas captivity two weeks ago, speaks with Arutz Sheva about the readjustment to normal life and freedom.

PM's spox denies

Defense Committee Chair claims Israel negotiating phase 2 of deal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's spokesman Dr. Omer Dostri denied MK Yuli Edelstein's claims that Israel was conducting negotiations on the second phase of the hostage deal.

National Security Council:

Hamas chooses destination for expelled terrorists

The National Security Council wrote to a bereaved father that the state of Israel does not have the authority to choose to which state it will expel terrorists released as part of the hostage deal.

Hamas confirms:

Three hostages will be released Saturday, as per original deal

In official statement, Hamas terror group confirms deal is still on, says additional hostages will be released Saturday.

Emotional:

Agam Berger opens the bottle of araq reserved for her

Released hostage Agam Berger opens a bottle of arak purchased a year previously in the hopes of celebrating her release.

'Efrat says hello'

The terrorists' abuse of Gadi Mozes

81-year-old Gadi Mozes, who was recently freed from captivity in Gaza, endured abuse while being held hostage and discovered, while listening to the news, that the terrorists had lied to him and that his partner, Efrat Katz, had been murdered.

State Department:

Rubio's Israel visit to center on Phase II of hostage deal

US State Department issues official statement about Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to the Middle East from February 15-18, which will include a stop in Israel.

Hamas official: Hostage release to go on as planned

Hamas official says terror group won't release all hostages on Saturday, but will release hostages in accordance with the agreement already signed, Kan News reports.

Israel examining changes to deal with Hamas

Following testimonies from released hostages, Israel weighs option to demand Hamas expand list of hostages to be released in first stage of deal, due to concerns for their health.

ISA orders soldier's weapon confiscated

Akiva Leibowitz, an IDF reservist, was ordered by the ISA to return both his IDF and personal firearms.

Report:

Hamas leaning toward releasing 3 hostages on Saturday

Terrorist organization continues to demand Israel fulfills "commitments" under ceasefire deal as Israel warns the war will resume if the hostages are not released by Saturday.

Defense Minister Katz:

'If Hamas stops releasing hostages there will be war'

Defense Minister Israel Katz held a security consultation today (Wednesday) in the Operations Directorate's command post and threatened: "The new Gaza war will be different in intensity."

Trump envoy Witkoff:

'Big problem if hostages not released on Saturday'

US President Trump's special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff repeats president's ultimatum that Hamas release the hostages by Saturday or face consequences, says any situation where Hamas rules Gaza is 'unhealthy.'

Held in harsh conditions:

Family of hostage Matan Angrest receives evidence of life

Parents of Matan Angrest say they have learned from other hostages who were released recently that Matan is alive and is being held in very harsh conditions because he is an IDF soldier.

Smotrich:

'We will fight till we crush our enemies; there is no other way'

'Hamas is collapsing, Hezbollah has fallen apart, Iran is deterred, but you can't expect victory overnight. We continue to fight,' Finance Minister Smotrich says on war.

Family reveals:

Yarden Bibas was held in moldy tunnels, with almost no food

Ofri Bibas, Yarden's sister, tells of severe conditions in captivity: 'Yarden was in held in moldy tunnels, with almost no food. But he is still smiling.'

'He wants the next fallen soldier'

Lapid's insane allegation about Smotrich

Opposition leader MK Yair Lapid attacks Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, says he isn't interested in bringing hostages home.

Former ISA official:

'Solution to Gaza is to conquer land and control it'

Shalom Ben Hanan, former ISA official, discusses Hamas' threat not to release hostages, says Israel should place pressure on Hamas.

Senior defense officials:

'Israel must show restraint toward Hamas for now'

Senior defense officials tell political leadership that Israel must "show restraint at this time to complete the first phase of the deal."

‘Are you kidding me?’

British journalist floored by activist’s Hamas 'kindness' claims

Pro-Palestinian Arab activist Yvonne Ridley cites Hamas' "goody bags" that were given to freed hostages as examples of Hamas' kindness. Journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer: The hostages must have had a wonderful time at that holiday camp that Hamas ran for them for the last 16 months.

Hamas responds to Netanyahu's ultimatum

'We're committed to the ceasefire deal, so long as Israel is,' Hamas terror group claims.

Israel receives first signs of life from seven hostages

Following the recent release of hostages, Israel receives first signs of life from seven hostages; only one is expected to be released in current phase.

'Preparation for various scenarios'

IDF calls in reserves, sends reinforcements to south

Per the decision to raise the level of readiness in the Southern Command, the IDF decided to increase reinforcements with additional troops, including reservists.

Netanyahu's ultimatum to Hamas: IDF will return to fighting

Following Hamas' violation of ceasefire deal, political source says there will be no progress on talks for second stage without hostages' release.

Trump:

Judea and Samaria are 'going to work out very well'

US President Donald Trump responds to questions about annexing Judea and Samaria, deadline for hostage release.

Yossi Dagan to Cabinet:

'Arrest terrorists released to Judea and Samaria'

'If Hamas violates deal, all terrorists released to Judea and Samaria must be arrested again,' Samaria Council Head, Yossi Dagan, tells ministers and cabinet members.

Houthi leader threatens Israel: 'We'll return to attacks'

If ceasefire with Hamas ends, Houthis will restart attacks on Israel, rebel group's leader warns.

'Hostages are Hamas' insurance policy'

Arab affairs analyst says Hamas is 'flexing its muscles' and does not intend to give up leadership of Gaza easily.

Smotrich's ultimatum:

Harm a hostage and we'll annex 5% of the Gaza Strip

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls on Israel to set an ultimatum for Hamas if it would continue to delay the release of hostages.

Hostage's son to Arutz Sheva:

'Despite everything, more hostages will return on Saturday'

Yizhar Lifshitz, whose father, Oded, is being held by terrorists in Gaza, says he believes that despite Hamas's threats, the hostage deal will continue as planned.

Niece of hostage:

'If hostages aren't returned, stop the aid to Gaza'

‎Yael Savariego, niece of hostage Lior Rudaeff whose body is being held in Gaza, demands that aid to Hamas be stopped following the terrorist group’s announcement that it would be suspending the implementation of the hostage deal.

Trump threatens Hamas:

'Release all the hostages by 12:00 p.m. on Saturday'

US President warns Hamas that if all hostages in Gaza are not released by 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, the ceasefire should be cancelled, but leaves the decision to Israel.

Freed hostage's cousin confronts Minister Smotrich

Eyal Calderon, cousin of Ofer Calderon who was freed from Hamas captivity, interrupts Smotrich's remarks during a meeting of the Religious Zionist Party, before being removed by security.

Netanyahu reveals:

'There was pessimism, I worked to release the hostages'

Netanyahu, in speech in the Knesset, responds to opposition's no-confidence motion: You asked about the day after the war? Trump responded.

President Herzog:

'We cannot fall into Hamas's trap'

President Isaac Herzog attended a ceremony today to dedicate 18 Torah scrolls in memory of fallen soldiers of the Swords of Iron war and warned against national panic regarding the future of the hostage deal.

War widows support Smotrich

A group of war widows wrote to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: 'We support you and your struggle for the same path that called to our husbands.'

Ben-Gvir proposes law to block aid to Gaza

Itamar Ben-Gvir is pushing for Israel to legally forbid transferring humanitarian supplies to Gaza in response to Hamas suspending the hostage deal.

Hostage Deal:

Israel responds to Hamas ultimatum

Israeli officials have responded to Hamas's decision on Monday to suspend the hostage deal until further notice.

Freed Hostage:

'Things got worse after the first deal, I was seriously starved'

Ofer Calderon shared his ordeal in captivity and reiterated the call to ensure the return of all the hostages.

Smotrich:

'Cabinet must immediately implement Trump's plan'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for israel to immediately adopt Trump's plan to relocate Gazans, and added that the Palestinian Authority in Judea and Samaria should be sent away as well.

Released hostage's mother:

'Romi Gonen to undergo complex surgery'

Meirav Leshem-Gonen, mother of released hostage Romi Gonen, says the young women who returned from Hamas captivity 'are not okay, to lose 20% of your weight is not okay.'

Yarden Bibas released from hospital

A week and a half after being released from Hamas captivity, Yarden Bibas is released home from the hospital. 'Path to healing will not be complete until Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir return.'

Psychological terror:

Father of released hostage shares chilling message with Knesset

Father of released hostage Arbel Yehud shares emotional account of psychological tactics used by Hamas: 'I didn’t believe hostages had become a political debate, until I returned to Israel.'