Hostage Deal

Freed hostage Tal Shoham discharged from hospital

Beilinson Hospital says captivity survivor Tal Shoham has been discharged after completing the required tests.

'I saw all the horrors'

Gadi Mozes in first statement after captivity

Gadi Mozes, who was released after 482 days in captivity, delivers his first public statement since being freed, describes the harsh conditions under which he was held and calls on the Prime Minister to act to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

Trump on Gaza ceasefire:

'We have some pretty good talks going'

Trump asked about a possible extension of the ceasefire in Gaza: We're working very hard in the Middle East and Gaza. I think we're going to come up with some pretty good solutions.

Keith Siegel to PM:

'It is our responsibility to get all remaining hostages back'

PM Netanyahu meets freed hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel. Keith tells the PM that despite being freed, 'For me, the story is not over yet—I am responsible for the remaining hostages.'

Tsachi Idan to be laid to rest on Friday in central Israel

A public memorial ceremony will be held at Bloomfield Stadium on Friday morning organized by the Hapoel Tel Aviv supporters' club which Tsachi was a member of.

Special Envoy Witkoff:

'No room for Hamas in Gaza or Judea and Samaria'

White House Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff told Fox News that President Trump is losing patience with Hamas: 'He's got a red line with regard to people who do heinous things like this.'

Ceasefire to be extended?

Israeli source: Additional hostages may be released on Saturday

'We expect additional hostages to be released this Saturday, in exchange for extension of ceasefire,' Israeli source claims.

Hamas:

We didn't plan to attack Israeli soldiers, towns during ceasefire

'Declaring Philadelphi Corridor to be buffer zone is clear violation of ceasefire agreement,' Hamas claims.

'He was always smiling and good-natured'

Nir Oz mourns hostage Itzhak Elgarat following positive identification of his body at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute.

Tsachi Idan to be laid to rest next to daughter murdered on 7/10

Family of murdered hostage Tsachi Idan announces that his body was identified by the Abu Kabir forensic institute, says he will be laid to rest alongside his murdered daughter.

Israeli source: We won't exit Philadelphi Corridor

Israeli source says IDF will not exit the Philadelphi Corridor, promising, 'We won't allow Hamas to rebuild themselves through smuggling.'

Pres. Herzog:

Our hearts ache at identification of Ohad, Itzik, Tsachi & Shlomo

Israeli President Isaac Herzog mourns hostages Ohad Yahalomi, Tsachi Idan, Itzik Elgarat, and Shlomo Mantzur, whose bodies were returned Wednesday night.

'Ohad was a dedicated and loving family man'

Hostages Ohad Yahalomi has been positively identified as one of the bodies returned overnight.

Bodies of Shlomo, Itzik, Tsachi, and Ohad identified

Abu Kabir forensic institute positively identifies the bodies of the four hostages returned to Israel late Wednesday night.

Without Hamas 'ceremonies'

Bodies of four hostages returned to Israel

Coffins containing the bodies of hostgages Ohad Yahalomi, Tsachi Idan, Shlomo Mantzur, and Itzik Elgarat transferred to Red Cross and from there handed over to the IDF, before being taken to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for an identification process. At the same time, more than 600 terrorists are being released.

Global landmarks turn orange to honor Bibas family

Countries around the world pay respects to Shiri Bibas and her sons, Kfir and Ariel, by illuminating buildings in orange.

'I was defeated'

Dani Elgarat's painful letter to his murdered brother

Following the announcement about the return of the body of hostage Itzik Elgarat, his brother Dani publishes poignant letter expressing his deep pain and sense of personal failure.

Mediators aim to extend ceasefire through Ramadan

Israel is in discussions with the United States to extend the ceasefire and release of hostages for another few weeks.

MK Rothman to Arutz Sheva:

'Trump's plan the only way to bring hostages home'

MK Simcha Rothman rejects alternative plans for the Gaza Strip such as that proposed by MK Yair Lapid, and calls on Israel to adopt Trump's plan, both for the day after and to 'open the gates of hell' on Hamas.

President Trump:

'Hamas is a vicious group of people, Israel must make a decision'

US President Donald Trump said he was 'disappointed' hostages are returning dead and noted that Israel is going to have to decide what it is doing as phase one ends.

Hamas captivity survivor:

'My body is here, but my soul is not'

Yair Horn, who was recently freed after 498 days in captivity, calls on the international community to ensure the return of the 63 remaining hostages, including his younger brother Eitan.

PM's office confirms:

Murdered hostages' bodies to be returned to Israel tonight

Hamas announced that it will release the bodies of Ohad Yahalomi, Tsahi Idan, Itzik Elgarat, and Shlomo Mantzur. Israel will gradually release terrorists until the bodies are positively identified.

Yarden Bibas:

'I'm sorry I didn't manage to save you'

Funeral for Ariel, Kfir, and Shiri Bibas leaves Rishon Lezion for Nir Oz cemetery; thousands stand along the roadsides, waving Israeli flags and paying last respects.

Traffic violation at celebration:

Indictment filed against terrorist released in hostage deal

Traffic offenses unit files indictment against three defendants from Jerusalem for offenses committed during celebrations for release of a terrorist.

Hamas: The next phase of the deal – only on our terms

Hamas accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire and hostage release deal and emphasizes that any future negotiations will be based on full compliance with the terrorist organization’s conditions.

Witkoff:

Israel-Hamas talks progressing, ceasefire plan could advance soon

Speaking at AJC event, Trump's Middle East Envoy says he might travel to the region on Sunday to finalize the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

Trump on Hamas ultimatum:

'It's up to Netanyahu and Israel'

Trump comments on his previous ultimatum to Hamas: It's up to Bibi Netanyahu and Israel. I may have done it differently than him. It's not my decision, it's his decision.

Agreement reached on release of terrorists

Israeli official confirms: Bodies of hostages will be released by Hamas without a "ceremony", the terrorists will be released gradually.

Hostages families:

'Time is not on hostages' side, Trump created opportunity'

The families of hostages who are still being held in Gaza delivered a statement calling for the implementation of phase 2 of the ceasefire so that their loved ones can be freed.

Noa Argamani to UNSC:

'The hostages feel abandoned by the world'

Noa Argamani, who was rescued from captivity in Gaza in June, becomes the first former Hamas hostage to address the UN Security Council.

Hostage's brother:

Bar is alive, we pray and are doing all we can to bring him home

Dvir, brother of hostage Bar Kupershtein, speaks with Arutz Sheva: 'I'm happy that many hostages have come home. It gives us hope that Bar will come back.'

Omer Shem Tov:

'Creator of the world, thanks for being with me at every moment'

Released hostage Omer Shem Tov published a post on social media thanking the soldiers, the people of Israel, and G-d. 'I felt your prayers, and even in the darkness I had light.'

Released Hostage:

'I'm scared of the pain but sure I will get better'

Released hostage Romi Gonen posted about finally receiving surgery on her hand after more than a year in captivity.

Released Hostage:

'I was sure that I was the last one'

Agam Berger, captured from the Nahal Oz base during the October 7th massacre, shares details of her 482-day captivity.

Military correspondent:

Hamas was not defeated in the war - far from it

Yoav Zitun describes how Hamas is using the ceasefire to rebuild, regroup, and aim rockets at Israel.

To free more hostages:

Israel seeks 42-day extension of deal

Israel wishes to extend the first phase of the hostage deal, during which additional hostages would be released.

Egyptian sources:

'Trump is not interested in resuming fighting in Gaza'

Egyptian sources tell Al-Araby Al-Jadeed newspaper that Trump is working to complete a deal to return all the hostages, and he has no interest in resuming the fighting.

We'll walk together on kibbutz paths:

Sagui Dekel Chen invites Prime Minister to Nir Oz

PM Netanyahu speaks with released hostage, Sagui Dekel Chen, who invited him to visit Kibbutz Nir Oz: 'We have different opinions, but I always believed that your considerations were professional.'

Report:

Hamas may send bodies of 2 hostages to Egypt for 300 terrorists

Hamas reportedly proposes way to avoid the usual dehumanization ceremonies staged at every previous hostage release in exchange for the release of half of the terrorists whose release was delayed on Saturday.

Bibas family asks the public: 'Don't publicize agonizing details'

Bibas family's lawyer Dana Pugach makes public appeal to refrain from publishing details about the horrific murder of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir without the family's permission.

Freed hostage returns home:

'My home is broken like my heart'

3 weeks after he was freed, Keith Siegel returns to his home in Kfar Aza, from which he was kidnapped on October 7, 2023. 'A flood of traumatic and painful memories that will forever remain etched in my body and mind.'

Report: Hamas may release two deceased hostages Mon. evening

Saudi newspaper reports progress in negotiations to solve crisis; two bodies of murdered hostages may be released in exchange for the over 600 terrorists whose release was delayed.

Omer Wenkert:

Two of my brothers stayed behind, I will make sure they come home

Released hostage Omer Wenkert says he will fight for the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza.

Due to fear of rescue:

Terrorists chained Eliya Cohen to other hostages

Sigi Cohen, mother of released hostage Eliya Cohen, tells of her son's time in captivity.

With Israeli flags lining the road:

This is what Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir's funeral will look like

As per the family's request, the funeral will be limited to invitees only, but the public may honor the memory of Shiri and her sons Ariel and Kfir, accompanying the funeral procession by holding Israeli flags along the roadside.

Released Hostage:

'President Trump, the hostage deal must continue'

Released hostage Keith Siegel published a video message to US President Trump urging him to continue pushing for the release of the hostages.

Israel forces Hamas to fold

Hamas spokesman in Gaza says terror group willing to agree to proposal to free hostages in order to end crisis and free terrorists.

Senior Hamas member:

'Ceasefire talks conditioned on release of prisoners'

Hamas official Basem Naim tells Reuters that talks with Israel about the next steps of the ceasefire agreement are contingent on the release of terrorist prisoners as previously agreed.

Senior Hamas official:

'Hamas is dictating terms to Israel'

Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior official in Hamas, claims the terror group has enough leverage to force Israel to abide by the ceasefire agreement.

Prayers and Kiddush during Eliya Cohen’s time in captivity

Sigi Cohen, mother of Eliya who was freed from Hamas captivity, speaks about his observance of mitzvot while in captivity.

'An appropriate response'

White House backs Israel's decision to delay terrorist release

White House expresses support for Israel’s decision to delay the release of more than 600 terrorist prisoners, says Trump "prepared to support Israel in whatever course of action it chooses regarding Hamas.”

500 Days in Hell:

Thousands rally with hostage families in Central Park

Thousands rally with hostage family members and captivity survivors in Central Park, demanding immediate action: “Phase 2 of the deal must move forward — we cannot leave anyone behind.”

The real reason why Omer Shem Tov kissed his captors

Video shows Hamas terrorists forcing Omer to kiss the terrorists' foreheads.

Omer's mother to Trump:

'Mr. President, you did it, but the mission is not yet complete'

The families of captivity survivors Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, Eliya Cohen, and Tal Shoham, addressed the press after their loved ones' release.

Avera's brother:

'Hearts filled with gratitude to the Creator for the miracle'

The families of captivity survivors Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed addressed the media, Sha'aban al-Sayed attacked Hamas: 'We saw Hamas making spins and cheap politics on the back of a mentally ill person.'

Ofri Bibas:

'Our family journey has ended in the most devastating way'

'We are suffering indescribable pain,' says Ofri Bibas, sister of Yarden, who learned of his wife and sons' murder after his release from Hamas captivity.

Bibas family:

'Thank you for the love, embrace, and tears'

'Warm embrace, love and strength that you have sent us from all over Israel and the world strengthen us and accompany us during these moments of crisis,' say family members of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir.

Hostage's grandfather:

'When I recited Havdalah - something inside me broke'

Aharon Rabi, the grandfather of Eliya Cohen, who returned from Hamas captivity after over 500 days, recited the Havdalah prayer and shared the emotional reunion with his grandson, the hardships he went through in captivity, and his strengthened faith.

Released hostage's father:

Despite horrors of captivity, Sagui’s resilience shines through

'Pain and sorrow are there, but they cannot overshadow the beauty of this moment; seeing him with his three little girls,' says father of released hostage, Sagui Dekel Chen.

Witkoff working extend first phase of hostage deal

White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said he will arrive in the region on Wednesday to discuss an extension to phase one of the hostage and ceasefire deal.