Hostage Deal

Ex‑hostage:

'They were nicer to me after seeing my Mother on TV'

Matan Zangauker credited his mother’s vocal campaign for surviving captivity, saying it changed his captors’ attitude, and spoke out against false rumors spread online.

Goldin family issues emotional statement after 11‑year wait

Following Lt . Hadar Goldin’s return after more than 11 years in Hamas captivity, his family said they fought for friendship, burial in Israel, and dignity.

'Itay, this song is for you'

Watch: Idan Amedi's moving performance at Itay Chen's funeral

Israeli singer, actor, and wounded war veteran Idan Amedi, gave an emotional performance at the funeral of Itay Chen, whose body was returned to Israel last week from Hamas captivity.

Hadar's Comrade:

'Until Hadar is back, Operation Protective Edge is not over'

Elhai Refua, a close friend of Hadar Goldin, describes the moment he learned of Hadar's abduction during Operation Protective Edge in an interview with Arutz Sheva.

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.

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.

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.

Nate Buzz:

As long as there's a Palestine movement, I'll have work to do

In an Arutz Sheva interview, actor Nathaniel Buzolic shares emotional reflections on hostage returns, combats anti-Israel narratives, and reaffirms deep personal ties.

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.

Senior Analyst:

'Hamas would see immunity while still in Gaza as insurance'

Arab affairs expert Zvi Yehezkeli reviews the error inherent in the decision to allow free passage to Hamas forces trapped outside the yellow line.

'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.

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.

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.'

Watch:

Bar Kuperstein returns home

Former hostage Bar Kupershtein returns today to his home in Holon. A large crowd gathered to celebrate his arrival.

Eitan Mor recites thanksgiving blessing after surviving captivity

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

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.

Hostage deal terrorist

Rachel's Tomb massacre thwarted

Terrorist released in hostage deal re-arrested in Bethlehem on suspicion of planning massive terror attack to be carried out on Saturday.

Mother of dead hostage:

'Netanyahu do not give in, you promised us'

Talik Gvili, mother of the late Ran Gvili, whose body is being held by Hamas in Gaza, speaks about the great pain and suffering that the families of the dead hostages are enduring.

Drone footage:

How Hamas faked the recovery of a hostage's body

Done footage shows Hamas terrorists staging the recovery of the remains of a hostage.

In response to violations:

Several sanctions against Hamas being considered

Prime Minister Netanyahu will lead a security meeting to weigh sanctions on Hamas, including cutting aid, expanding Gaza control, and resuming targeted airstrikes.

'Clear violation'

Hamas returned the remains of hostage recovered two years ago

National Center of Forensic Medicine determines that the remains returned overnight did not belong to one of the 13 hostages who remain in Gaza.

Smotrich demands to arrest the released terrorists

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for the terrorists released in the hostage deal to be arrested again due to Hamas failing to honor its obligations.

‘A staged show’:

Hamas caught faking Hostage body discovery during ceasefire

IDF reservists report that Hamas operatives violated the ceasefire by staging the recovery of a murdered hostage’s body just moments before Red Cross representatives arrived.

How Bar Kuperstein’s mother stumped a terrorist

Released hostage Bar Kuperstein recounted a call that took place while he was held captive by Hamas between his mother and a Hamas terrorist.

Former hostage recounts:

Hamas made us choose who will be killed, who will be wounded

Two weeks after his release, Yosef Chaim Ohana revealed the terror of his Hamas captivity, describing beatings, psychological abuse, and how he talked his captors out of executing him.

Hostage Families Forum urges swift action for release of hostages

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged urgent action from Israel and the international community to secure the immediate release of all hostages still held in Gaza, until Hamas returns every hostage to Israel.

Israel increases efforts to locate bodies in Gaza

Israel is searching the territories under its control in Gaza for the bodies of slain hostages. Heavy engineering vehicles will begin entering the enclave to assist in the effort.

'From here, only good things'

Captivity survivor Alon Ohel discharged from hospital

A week and a half after being released from Hamas captivity, Alon Ohel returns home, 'So I can continue my life and achieve my goals.'

‘She said yes!’

Freed hostage Eliya Cohen fulfills promise to propose

Months after surviving Hamas captivity, Eliya Cohen proposed to his girlfriend Ziv Abud - who fought tirelessly for his release - in an emotional rooftop ceremony in Tel Aviv.

With song and dance

Captivity survivor Matan Angrest leaves the hospital

Just over a week after being released from Hamas captivity, Matan Angrest celebrates his discharge from the hosptial, removing the poster with his picture from his parents' car.

'You have returned home'

Tamir Adar laid to rest two years after defending his kibbutz

Tamir Adar, who gave his life defending his community during the October 7th attack, was laid to rest in the kibbutz where he was born, raised, and built his family.

Murdered Nepali hostage laid to rest in hometown

23-year-old agricultural student Bipin Joshi, who was murdered in Hamas captivity, was laid to rest in a traditional Hindu cremation ceremony in Nepal after his body was returned from captivity.

'Thanks to you, I returned'

Watch: Captivity survivor Maxim Herkin in uniform once again

Captain (Res.) Maxim Herkin addressed an IDF ceremony wearing an IDF uniform, just over a week after being released from Hamas captivity.

'At last, I'm here'

Hundreds celebrate return of freed hostage Avinatan Or to Shiloh

Freed hostage Avinatan Or received a hero’s welcome in Shiloh as hundreds of residents lined the roads with flags, songs, and prayers to celebrate his return after two years in Hamas captivity.

'Crushing, truly unbearable'

Murdered hostage Ronen Engel laid to rest

Convoy of dozens of motorcyclists led the funeral procession, honoring Ronen’s life, courage, and spirit as family, friends, and supporters came together to pay their final respects.

Witkoff and Kushner meet with newly released hostages

US Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with hostages released from Hamas captivity last week, who thanked them for their instrumental role in securing the deal that brought them home.

'Coming Home'

Emotional Yiddish cover marks hostages’ long-awaited homecoming

Hassidic singer and rapper Mendy Twerski performs a stirring cover of the pop song 'Coming Home' in Yiddish, marking the return of the remaining hostages from Hamas captivity.

Tal Haimi's widow: 'We have reached a sad closure'

Ela Haimi, wife of Tal Haimi, Nir Yitzhak’s rapid response commander murdered by Hamas on October 7th, said her husband’s return brings 'real closure' and urged an end for all hostage families.

Sister of freed hostage Evyatar David: I can’t believe he’s home

Yeela David, sister of freed hostage Evyatar David, shares an emotional message from Beilinson Hospital, thanking supporters and urging continued efforts to bring home the remaining hostages.

Heartwarming reunion

Watch: Tal Shoham surprises fellow former hostage

Former hostage Tal Shoham meets for the first time with Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David, with whom he was held together, in an especially emotional reunion.

Only Samaritan terrorist in Israel released in hostage deal

Nader Sadka, 48, from Mount Gerizim, is the only Samaritan ever convicted in Israel for security-related offenses. He was sentenced to six life terms for planning and carrying out attacks against Israelis - and has now been released as part of the hostage deal.

Watch:

Uriel Baruch laid to rest

Uriel Baruch laid to rest after his body was returned to Israel in the hostage deal.

IDF confirms:

Body of Thai farmhand Sontaya Ukkharsri returned to Israel

The second body returned on Saturday night was identified as that of Thai citizen Sontaya Ukkharsri, who was murdered in the fields of Be'eri on October 7th, 2023.

Hostage survivors speak out:

'Our new life starts now!'

Hostage survivors David and Ariel Cunio in their first public message: 'In the most difficult moments in captivity, we felt that you were fighting for us. That you were not giving up.'

Keith Siegel:

Matan Angrest and I were held in a small, dark room

Keith Siegel looks back at his time in captivity with newly released hostage Matan Angrest. 'We kept each other strong, we laughed together.'

Former hostage:

'I fasted on Yom Kippur time and was released from captivity'

Hostage survivor Eitan Horn tearfully recounts how he decided to fast on Yom Kippur, for the first time in his life, and was released from Hamas captivity less than two weeks later. Watch

Terrorism as religious sacrifice: What the Trump deal ignored

In essence, for Hamas, terror is a form of sacred violence oriented toward the “sacrifice” of enemies and martyrs. Opinion.

Murdered hostage's son:

'If I have a son one day, I’ll name him after you'

Eitan Levy, 53, who was murdered near Mefalsim Junction during the October 7 massacre and whose body was held by Hamas for nearly two years, is laid to rest. His only son, Shahar, delivers a heartfelt eulogy.

Yosef-Chaim’s testimony:

'I was one second away from a bullet to the head'

Yosef-Chaim Ohana managed to convince Hamas terrorists not to shoot him, even after they pressed a gun to his temple. The captors also separated childhood friends Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David.

'Only now am I free'

Emily Damari's moving reunion with the Berman twins

Captivity survivor Emily Damari recounts her reunion with Gali and Ziv Berman.

'Sorry my firstborn son'

IDF soldier Tamir Nimrodi laid to rest

Family members delivered emotional eulogies at the Kfar Saba Cemetery as IDF soldier Tamir Nimrodi was laid to rest following the return of his body from Gaza.

Bar's Faith and the tzitzit from captivity

Julie, the mother of released hostage Bar Kuperstein, spoke about the hunger, the abuse and the physical and mental pain her son endured during his captivity.

Chilling recordings of Guy Illouz

Deceased hostage Guy Illouz managed two phone calls to his father and the police as he was captured by Hamas.

'Thank you Father in Heaven'

Bar Kupershtein's first video after Hamas captivity

Captivity survivor Bar Kupershtein published a video for the first time after being released from captivity. 'I went through a pretty tough time, to put it lightly.'

Report:

Israel tells Trump Hamas not doing enough on hostage recovery

Israel says Hamas is not fulfilling its obligations under the hostage agreement and warns that the next phase of the Gaza deal depends on the return of all bodies.

Account from captivity:

'I demanded tefillin and prayer book and they gave them to me'

Matan Angrest, abducted on October 7th, shared how prayer and faith sustained him through months of torture in Hamas tunnels, calling his survival a 'series of miracles.'

Trump:

Israel could return to fighting in Gaza if Hamas violates deal

President Trump tells CNN Israel could return to Gaza 'as soon as I say the word' if Hamas fails to meet ceasefire terms, including full hostage return.