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Hostage Deal

News and updates about Hostage Deal

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.

IDF prepares to receive deceased hostages from Hamas

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.'

I will continue to support every deal

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.

'New level of absurdity and reverberating propaganda'

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.

Ari Fuld's murderer to be released

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.

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

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.

Gazans suspected of involvement in October 7 to be released

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.

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

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.

'France mobilized for the release of all hostages'

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.

Minister Ron Dermer to lead negotiations on phase 2 of ceasefire

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.

These 6 hostages will be released on 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.'

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

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 partner notified 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.

'My daughters need their father'

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.

Hamas to release 6 living & 4 deceased hostages by Saturday

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.

Heavy vehicles in return for 6 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.

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

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.

'We are not leaving anybody behind'

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.

'We have to bring an end to this nightmare'

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.

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

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.

68% support 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.

Mediators seek to delay release of hostages

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.

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

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.

First sign of life from hostage David Cunio

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.

Israel preparing to receive the bodies of 5 hostages this week

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.

'I pray we will soon be together again'

'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.

Agam Berger speaks for first time since her release

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.'

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

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.

Cabinet to meet to discuss negotiations on second stage of deal

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.

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

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.

Freed IDF lookouts surprised by 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.

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

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.

'Hamas is the one that blocked hostage 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."

'Up to Israel what to do next, 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.

Shahar saw her father for the first time in real life

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Supreme Court denies petition for transparency on hostage deal

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.

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

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.

Released hostage Sasha Troufanov dons Tefilin for the first time

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.

'I talked about you while in captivity'

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.

Report: Netanyahu blocking mobile homes from Gaza

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.

Colombian President links hostage to solidarity with Palestinians

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."

Argentine President praises Trump, calls for Hamas defeat

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.

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

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.

'The images of victory will increase terrorism'

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.

Israeli official: We're weighing bringing caravans into Gaza

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.

'Setter is a baldfaced liar'

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.

Hamas slams Trump: US must force Israel to keep agreement

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.

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

'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.

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

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.

369 terrorists released from Israeli custody

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.

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

'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.

Sasha meets his mother, and his girlfriend Sapir

'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.

Yair Horn meets his father in the hospital

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.

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

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.'

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

After nearly 500 days:

Yair, 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.

Yair, Sagui, and Sasha are back in 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.

'I would take a hard stance on Gaza'

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.

Released hostage Ofer Calderon readmitted to hospital

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.'

Captivity survivor Or Levy visits Hostages Square