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Hostage Deal

News and updates about Hostage Deal

Brother of freed hostage:

'Eli's return is the victory of the people of Israel'

Sharon Sharabi, brother of Eli, and Michael Levy, brother of Or, speak about their brothers' conditions one day after they were freed by Hamas.

'Eli's return is the victory of the people of Israel'

Trump:

'The three hostages looked like Holocaust survivors'

US President says Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami and Or Levy, who were freed from Hamas captivity "looked like Holocaust survivors” and warns Hamas: At some point, we're going to lose our patience.

'The three hostages looked like Holocaust survivors'

Diaspora Minister:

'No more pathetic doormat than the Prime Minister of the UK'

Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli criticized PM Starmer for failing to condemn Hamas in a statement about the released hostage Eli Sharabi's condition.

'No more pathetic doormat than the Prime Minister of the UK'

Amid ceasefire:

Hamas sets up checkpoints in Gaza, taxes humanitarian aid

Due to the ceasefire deal, nobody, including the Israelis, can stop Hamas from taking control of Gaza's main roads or taxing all goods.

Hamas sets up checkpoints in Gaza, taxes humanitarian aid

Captivity survivor's daughter:

'My father went through horrors, it's worse than I thought'

Ella, whose father Ohad Ben-Ami was released from Hamas captivity, delivered remarks: 'We haven't even begun to hear and delve deep into the inferno and hell that he was in.'

'My father went through horrors, it's worse than I thought'

Ohad, Or and Eli watched one of the hostages collapse

Terrorists choked the hostages, tied them up, tied their mouths with rope and strangled them, hung them by their legs and burned them with hot objects.

Ohad, Or and Eli watched one of the hostages collapse

Pres. Herzog shows Fox News before and after photos of hostage

During an interview to Fox News, President Isaac Herzog displays photographs of Eli Sharabi before and after captivity, 'Israel, as the only democracy in the Middle East, fights for the entire free world.'

Pres. Herzog shows Fox News before and after photos of hostage

Father of Oct. 7th hero:

'We want to hug each one that Aner saved'

'Or Levy's release from captivity was very emotional; we want to meet him, we feel close to all survivors,' Father of Aner Shapira, murdered at the Nova Festival on 10/7, says.

'We want to hug each one that Aner saved'

Footage from Bangkok:

Released Thai hostages return home, reunite with their families

The five Thai hostages released last week from Hamas captivity reunited with their families after nearly 500 days apart.

Released Thai hostages return home, reunite with their families

'The hostages were in locations where there was humanitarian aid'

Dr. Einat Yehene, head of rehabilitation in health for the Hostages Famly Forum, says Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben-Ami, and Or Levy were 'intentionally starved.'

'The hostages were in locations where there was humanitarian aid'

Smotrich:

'The comparisons to the Holocaust are wrong'

Finance Minister criticizes the use of Holocaust-related terms when discussing the hostages: The suffering of our hostages in Hamas' cruel captivity is heartbreaking, but comparisons to the Holocaust are a serious mistake and trivialize the Holocaust.

'The comparisons to the Holocaust are wrong'

UN chief calls for ceasefire, silent on freed hostages

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for permanent ceasefire in Gaza, does not mention frail condition of freed hostages. Former Israeli Ambassador to the UN: You don’t give a damn about the security of the people of Israel. Shame on you. Resign!

UN chief calls for ceasefire, silent on freed hostages

British PM on Eli Sharabi:

'I was dismayed to see his frail condition'

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who met with family of freed hostage Eli Sharabi, comments on his release: We must continue to see all the hostages freed. These people were ripped away from their lives in the most brutal circumstances and held in appalling conditions.

'I was dismayed to see his frail condition'

'With God's help, we'll be back'

IDF to completely withdraw from Netzarim Corridor

According to the hostage release deal, Israel is required to complete the withdrawal from its last positions on the Netzarim Corridor on Saturday night.

IDF to completely withdraw from Netzarim Corridor

Ambassador Danon:

'Clear evidence of war crimes against hostages'

Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon sent an urgent letter to the UN Secretary-General regarding the dire physical condition of the three Israeli hostages released earlier today from Hamas captivity.

'Clear evidence of war crimes against hostages'

Hersh's Parents:

'One of Or's first questions was about Hersh'

Jon and Rachel, parents of executed hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, spoke about their feelings upon seeing Or Levy, who was captured with their son, released alive.

'One of Or's first questions was about Hersh'

Eli receives horrific news: His wife and daughters were murdered

Eli Sharabi, returned to Israel after 491 days in captivity, is informed that his wife Leanne and daughters Noya (16) and Yahel (13) were murdered in the October 7 massacre, and his brother Yossi was killed in captivity.

Eli receives horrific news: His wife and daughters were murdered

First hug - after 491 days:

Or and his son Almog meet for the first time

Or Levy, released from Hamas captivity after 491 days, reunites with his three-year-old son Almog.

Or and his son Almog meet for the first time

Pres. Herzog on hostages' state:

'This is what a crime against humanity looks like'

'Whole world' must see how Ohad, Eli, and Or starved and emaciated, were exploited in a cynical and cruel spectacle by Hamas, Israeli President Isaac Herzog says.

'This is what a crime against humanity looks like'

Former Hostage:

'It was a nightmare, I will not forget IDF's sacrifices'

Former hostage Karina Ariev gave a recorded address to a rally in Hostages Square: 'I do not forget for a moment the sacrifice of the IDF soldiers. Do not forget this unity, it is what saved us.'

'It was a nightmare, I will not forget IDF's sacrifices'

'They will pay the price'

Netanyahu: We have again seen the monsters of Hamas

We will do everything to return all of our hostages, but Hamas will not be there. We will eliminate Hamas, and we will return our hostages,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promises.

Netanyahu: We have again seen the monsters of Hamas

Foreign Minister:

'The only ones starving in Gaza are the hostages'

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar posted a video accusing Hamas of starving the hostages released today, claiming they looked dangerously emaciated while the Hamas forces appeared well-fed.

'The only ones starving in Gaza are the hostages'

Family of captivity survivor Or Levy:

We believe his murdered wife is watching from above

In an emotional statement released today, the family of Or Levy, who was freed after 491 days of captivity at the hands of Hamas, expressed both profound joy and deep sorrow.

We believe his murdered wife is watching from above

Israeli government vs CNN:

No comparison between hostages and terrorists

Government Press Office responds to CNN headline equating convicted terrorists with Israeli civilians kidnapped by Hamas terrorists to Gaza. 'Narrative comparing hostages and prisoners runs contrary to every ethical standard of journalism.'

No comparison between hostages and terrorists

Wrapped in a tallit:

Sharon Sharabi meets his freed brother Eli, says 'Shema Yisrael'

Heartbreaking: Sharon Sharabi meets his brother Eli in Sheba Medical Center after Eli returns from Hamas captivity, wraps Eli in his tallit and says, 'Shema Yisrael.'

Sharon Sharabi meets his freed brother Eli, says 'Shema Yisrael'

Hamas' brutal show:

World horrified by hostages' condition, Hamas's show

British, US, and German representatives rush to condemn Hamas' cruel 'release ceremony,' note emaciated states of released hostages Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben-Ami, and Or Levy.

World horrified by hostages' condition, Hamas's show

Israel to mediators: 'We will not ignore this'

Gal Hirsch, Israeli Coordinator for the Hostages and Missing, promises that Israel will not ignore the conditions of released hostages Ohad Ben-Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy, who were filmed gaunt and pale at their 'release ceremony.'

Israel to mediators: 'We will not ignore this'

Eighty years later:

Medical source: 'Just like the Jews in concentration camps'

Health Ministry's General Medicine Division head responds to condition of returning hostages, says, 'We saw malnutrition which proves the horrors they suffered.'

Medical source: 'Just like the Jews in concentration camps'

Cost of the Deal:

These are the terrorists released today

In the fifth phase of the release, Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners from its jails. Among the prisoners released were 18 with life sentences.

These are the terrorists released today

Watch: Eli Sharabi arrives at hospital, wrapped in Israeli flag

Released hostage Eli Sharabi arrives at Sheba Medical Center, walking erect and wrapped in an Israeli flag.

Watch: Eli Sharabi arrives at hospital, wrapped in Israeli flag

Or Levy meets his family: 'We waited so long for you, sweetie'

Watch the moving moments when released hostage Or Levy first meets his family in Sheba Medical Center.

Or Levy meets his family: 'We waited so long for you, sweetie'

Ohad Ben-Ami after his release: 'I have a ton to make up'

Watch the emotional reunification of Ohad Ben-Ami with his daughters and brother, after he and his wife arrive at Ichilov Hospital.

Ohad Ben-Ami after his release: 'I have a ton to make up'

Thin and pale:

Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben-Ami released from captivity

The Hamas terror group held a cynical 'ceremony' leading Ohad Ben-Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy onto a stage in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben-Ami released from captivity

Video of destruction in Gaza to be shown to released terrorists

IDF and Israel Prison Service preparing for the release of terrorists on Saturday as part of the hostage deal, and they will be shown a video depicting the extent of the destruction in the Gaza Strip.

Video of destruction in Gaza to be shown to released terrorists

Yarden Bibas:

'As long as my family is still in Gaza, everything here is dark'

Yarden Bibas, who was freed from Hamas captivity and whose wife and two young boys remain in captivity, in first public message: Unfortunately, my family has not yet returned to me. As long as they are there, everything here is dark. Help me bring the light back into my life.

'As long as my family is still in Gaza, everything here is dark'

After 491 days in captivity

Or Levy, Eli Sharabi and Ohad Ben Ami to be freed

Hamas to free hostages Or Levy, Eli Sharabi and Ohad Ben Ami from captivity on Saturday.

Or Levy, Eli Sharabi and Ohad Ben Ami to be freed

Hamas:

Israel is not providing sufficient temporary housing

Hamas accuses Israel of not allowing the agreed amount of humanitarian supplies into Gaza as part of the hostage deal.

Israel is not providing sufficient temporary housing

Israel waits for names of fifth group of hostages to be released

Israel waiting for Hamas to announce names of hostages to be released Saturday, as Hamas fumes over Trump announcement and Israeli delegation readies for talks in Qatar.

Israel waits for names of fifth group of hostages to be released

Trump to hostages' families:

'I will not rest until they return'

President addressed captivity survivor Noa Argamni, who was in the crowd, calling her an inspiration.

'I will not rest until they return'

Gadi Mozes returns to Nir Oz:

'I hope to soon return and work the fields'

A week after being released from Hamas captivity, Gadi Mozes returns to his home in Nir Oz. 'I hope to soon return and work the fields and contribute to the rebuilding of Kibbutz Nir Oz.'

'I hope to soon return and work the fields'

Israeli satire show presents:

The Red Cross rideshare service

A recent sketch by the Israeli comedy program Eretz Nehederet, considered the Israeli SNL, criticized the Red Cross for not doing anything help the hostages.

The Red Cross rideshare service

Minister Karhi estimates:

Hamas won't complete hostage deal

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi says Attorney General may be fired soon, Hamas unlikely to return the last of the hostages.

Hamas won't complete hostage deal

Kenneth Abramowitz:

'Trump must be America first, not America alone'

Kenneth Abramowitz, President and founder of SaveTheWest.com, calls for President Trump to approach Iran with the same uncompromising philosophy he has promoted against Russia and China.

'Trump must be America first, not America alone'

'I'm finally home'

Daniella Gilboa comes home and plays the piano

IDF lookout Daniella Gilboa returns to her home in Petah Tikva, after being released from Beilinson Hospital, where she had been since being freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Daniella Gilboa comes home and plays the piano

Watch:

Released hostages plant trees as they leave hospital

In a moving ceremony, the five IDF lookouts who returned from Hamas captivity planted olive trees at the entrance to Beilinson Hospital.

Released hostages plant trees as they leave hospital

Watch:

Released hostages leave hospital and return home

The five IDF lookouts who returned from Hamas captivity were discharged from Beilinson Hospital and were met with great excitement by crowds that waited outside their homes.

Released hostages leave hospital and return home

Gallant accuses:

Government didn't do everything possible to bring back hostages

Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says agreement with Hamas was signed too late, Israel 'could have had the same deal with more hostages, at a lower price.'

Government didn't do everything possible to bring back hostages

Freed IDF lookouts ask to resume their army service

Despite the long captivity, the five female soldiers who were released in the deal decide to return to serve, but not in the role of lookouts.

Freed IDF lookouts ask to resume their army service

Romi Gonen's mother:

'This is the reason Romi kept Shabbat after being freed'

Meirav Leshem Gonen, mother of Romi who was freed from Hamas captivity, talks about the use her daughter made and continues to make of Judaism during her captivity and since her return.

'This is the reason Romi kept Shabbat after being freed'

Trump:

'The goal is to resettle the people of Gaza permanently'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu becomes the first international leader to meet President Trump since he assumed office. Trump in response to Arutz Sheva: Saudis are not expecting a Palestinian state as a condition for normalization with Israel.

'The goal is to resettle the people of Gaza permanently'

Protest in Washington: 'How long until the next October 7?'

Billboard trucks calling for Hamas’ defeat during Trump-Netanyahu meeting in Washington: 'How long until the next October 7?!'

Protest in Washington: 'How long until the next October 7?'

Israeli source:

'Trump does not want Hamas in Gaza'

Ahead of meeting between US President and PM Netanyahu Israeli source reports that Israel is willing to consider extending first phase of hostage deal.

'Trump does not want Hamas in Gaza'

Steve Witkoff:

We're focused on returning the hostages, it's a complicated deal

US envoy Steve Witkoff says Trump administration trying to ensure deal with Hamas is fully implemented, calls for Gazans to emigrate since there's 'nothing left' in Gaza.

We're focused on returning the hostages, it's a complicated deal

Hostage's mother to Trump: 'Don't stop, bring them all back'

'I came to D.C. this week to thank President Trump and to caution him about those who seek to destroy the hostage-ceasefire deal that he secured,' Einav, whose son Matan Zangauker was taken hostage, says.

Hostage's mother to Trump: 'Don't stop, bring them all back'

Minister Orit Strock:

'I oppose the deal - deal with it without demonization'

'A large portion of the nation opposes hostage deal, deal with our position without delegitimizing it or demonizing us, allow discourse on all components of this difficult decision,' Settlement Minister Orit Strock urges Israelis.

'I oppose the deal - deal with it without demonization'

Liri Albag celebrates 20th birthday and shares her wish

IDF lookout Liri Albag, who was released from Hamas captivity last week, celebrated her 20th birthday on Tuesday.

Liri Albag celebrates 20th birthday and shares her wish

Released Thai hostages reunite with family members

Four out of the five Thai hostages who were released by Hamas last week reunited in Israel with their loved ones.

Released Thai hostages reunite with family members

Poll:

Large majority of Israelis prefer hostage deal to war

A survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute shows that a majority of the Israeli public supports fully completing the hostage deal and postponing a decision on the future of Hamas rule in Gaza.

Large majority of Israelis prefer hostage deal to war

Netanyahu meets Steve Witkoff

Israel to send delegation to Qatar to discuss hostage deal

Prime Minister's Office says the meeting was positive and friendly. Israel preparing to send a delegation to Doha to discuss further implementation of the hostage deal.

Israel to send delegation to Qatar to discuss hostage deal

As part of hostage deal

The countries which agreed to take in freed terrorists

Turkey, Qatar, Pakistan, and Malaysia have agreed to accept released terrorists, and negotiations are currently underway with Algeria and Indonesia on the issue.

The countries which agreed to take in freed terrorists