Hostage Deal

Trump meets freed hostages:

'We never stopped praying for you'

US President meets freed hostages as well as families of hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza during victory celebration in Washington: It should have never happened.

New details on the captivity of Romi, Emily, and Doron

The three hostages who were freed on Sunday were held in several hiding places, some of the time together and some of the time separated. They were held underground and in an apartment in Gaza City, among other places.

Ari Fuld's brother:

We fear this terrible deal while rejoicing for released hostages

Eytan Fuld shares his feelings as the terrorist who murdered his brother is scheduled to be released as part of the hostage deal and sends a message to Hamas: 'You will not rejoice from this release, Israel will win.'

Freed hostages' families:

'Without Trump's involvement, this moment wouldn't have happened'

The families of Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher, and Romi Gonen, who were released from captivity last night, gave their first public statement at Sheba Medical Center and thanked President Trump for his efforts in securing the release of their loved ones.

Steve Witkoff:

'Trump felt fulfilled when he saw the hostages & their families'

Steven Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East, describes how he and President Trump felt when they saw the first images of the 3 hostages meeting their families after they were freed yesterday.

In case ceasefirefalls apart:

Netanyahu presented document on resumption of war

Following the demand of the Religious Zionism party, cabinet ministers discussed a proposal that stated that the war would be renewed "if an additional hostage release plan is not approved."

The emotional reunions of the freed hostages with their mothers

Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher were able to hug their mothers for the first time in 15 months after they were freed from their Hamas captors.

Minister Sa'ar:

'Israel paying a heavy price for its commitment to its values'

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar met with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani and took the opportunity to congratulate President Trump on his inauguration.

'You are finally home'

Wolfson Medical Center removes Romi's hostage poster

The staff at the Pediatric ICU at Wolfson Medical Center excitingly removed the poster calling for the release of Romi Gonen.

Hamas vows to 'rise again,' fight until Israel is destroyed

After reaching 6-week ceasefire deal, terrorist organization vows to rebuild Gaza and continue its campaign to destroy the Jewish State.

IAF Chief during hostage release:

'Romi, Emily, and Doron, we are finally bringing you home'

IDF publishes the remarks of the Commanding Officer of the Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, during the helicopter takeoff in preparation for receiving the hostages who were released yesterday.

Trudeau calls on Hamas to release all hostages

Resigning Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stressing importance of sticking to ceasefire deal, calls for release of remaining hostages.

MK Tzivka Foghel:

'I'm not seeking jobs, and won't leave Otzma Yehudit'

MK Tzvika Foghel speaks about his party's decision to quit the government, stresses that he 'did not join politics for embraces, support, or jobs.'

Rabbi Yaakov Medan:

I would've voted against the deal, but remained in the government

Rabbi Yaakov Medan, dean of the Har Etzion Yeshiva, expresses support for Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's decision on ceasefire deal with Hamas. 'I oppose the deal but I'm not sure there was another alternative.'

Senator Tom Cotton:

'Hostages still in Gaza because Biden didn't back Israel'

Republican Senator Tom Cotton defends Israel, saying deal with Hamas is bad: 'We shouldn't negotiate with terrorists, or ask Israel or any other country to negotiate with terrorists.'

'I came back to life'

Emily Damari's moving post: Thanks be to G-d, I'm so happy to be

Emily Damari, released Sunday night from Hamas captivity, pens moving first social media post: 'You've shattered my heart from emotion. I've come back to life, my loved ones.'

Next hostages to be released Saturday night

Following the release of Romi, Emily, and Doron, 94 hostages, living and dead, remain in Gaza; 30 will be released in the next 41 days.

Following terrorists' release:

Jerusalem Minister demands reinforced security for city

Jerusalem Minister Meir Porush urges security reinforcements for Jerusalem similar to steps taken in Judea and Samaria, warns release of convicted terrorists places millions at risk.

The Right has been consistently and unmistakably right since 1993

The Left’s missteps shaped Israel’s struggles. It has consistently left reality behind and led the Jewish people to multiple disasters. Opinion.

Amid terrorist release

Israel's warning to the Palestinian Authority

Palestinian Authority says that it will strictly enforce Hamas' attempts to celebrate the release of terrorists. Israel warns: "If you don't enforce, we will act."

Houthi leader:

'We will respond to any foolish act committed against Yemen'

Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, senior leader of the Houthi rebels, says the rebels will monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, and will prepare for future rounds of fighting against Israel.

Yossi Dagan:

'Releasing terrorists to Judea and Samaria - a clear danger'

Head of Samaria Regional Council blasts the release of terrorists to Judea and Samaria: We warned and cried out not to release terrorists to Judea and Samaria and not to stop the war.

Israel frees 90 terrorists in exchange for three hostages

Israel frees 90 terrorists in exchange for the three hostages who were freed from Hamas captivity. 78 of the terrorists will be released to the areas of Judea and Samaria, and 12 to eastern Jerusalem.

Trump:

'Hostage deal a first step toward lasting Middle East peace'

US President-elect comments on hostage deal at rally in Washington, DC: This agreement could only have happened as a result of our historic victory in November.

Trump's Middle East envoy:

'The hostage deal doesn't happen without Trump'

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, speaks at victory rally for Trump, ahead of his inauguration: The President was responsible for this release, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude, as do all the families.

Son of hostage to Arutz Sheva:

'Hostages' return shows the fighting was not in vain'

Yizhar Lifshitz, whose father was kidnapped by Hamas, and Dani Miran, whose son is being held captive in Gaza, speak to Arutz Sheva at Hostages Square about their feelings on the day three women were released.

The moving reunion

Wrapped in Israeli flags with tears in their eyes and huge smiles

Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher reunited with their loved ones at Sheba Medical Center after 471 days in Hamas captivity.

Live Updates:

After over 470 days: Romi, Emily, and Doron come home

Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher have returned to Israel after more than 470 days in captivity in Gaza.

Inside Hamas's 'cynical goody bags' given to returnees

As they returned them to Israel after holding them hostage for 471 days, Hamas terrorists gave Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher what are being called 'cynical goody bags.'

Supporting terrorism:

MK Ayman Odeh compares hostages to terrorists

MK Ayman Odeh compares hostages to terrorists and causes uproar. MK Liberman, 'MK Odeh is the Hamas spokesman in the Knesset. Send him to Gaza.'

Israel cannot afford to compromise with evil

Why doesn't Israel adopt the same policy as every other sovereign country, not negotiating with terrorists? Op-ed.

Netanyahu to Hostage coordinator:

'Tell Romi, Emily and Doron - welcome home!'

PM speaks to Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing after IDF receives the three released hostages.

IDF Spokesman Hagari:

'Emily, Doron, and Romi are now in safe hands'

IDF Spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari addressed the press as Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher returned to Israel.

Watch:

Thousands sing at Hostages Square

Thousands of Israelis gather at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher are released from Hamas captivity.

Biden:

'3 Israeli women have been released, the guns have gone silent'

On the last day of his Presidency, President Joe Biden delivered remarks on the ceasefire and hostage deal which came into effect earlier in the day.

Herzog at Western Wall:

'May the Almighty have mercy on the hostages'

President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog prayed for the well being of Romi, Emily, and Doron and for the return of the hostages.

Trump's Nat. Sec. Advisor:

'Hamas will never rule Gaza'

Mike Waltz, Trump's appointed National Security Advisor, says in an interview to CBS: 'Hamas will never rule Gaza.'

Minister Katz near Gaza:

'We will respond with force to every breach or threat'

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz visits reception point for returning hostages, ahead of the release of Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher from Hamas captivity.

'It's like giving birth again'

Romi Gonen's father says Shehechiyanu blessing

Eitan Gonen, father of Romi who is due to be released from Hamas captivity this evening, and his wife Meital, say the Shehechiyanu blessing for the release of their daughter.

In exchange for 3 hostages:

90 terrorists to be released to Judea, Samaria, and Jerusalem

As Hamas frees 3 female hostages, Israel will free 90 terrorists, 30 for each hostage. 78 terrorists will be released into Judea and Samaria, while 12 will be released into eastern Jerusalem.

Watch:

The initial reception facility where the hostages will arrive

This is where Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher will be taken first when they are released from their Hamas captors today.

Chief of Staff:

If Hamas wasn't in such a difficult position, there'd be no deal

LTG Herzi Halevi meets the soldiers of the Nahal Brigade, says their battlefield accomplishments led to the current hostage and ceasefire deal.

Family:

Hostage Romi Gonen to be released today

Family members of Romi Gonen confirm she is 1 of the 3 hostages who will be released later today at the beginning of the ceasefire deal.

Otzma Yehudit ministers, MKs submit letters of resignation

Itamar Ben-Gvir and the rest of his party's representatives resign from government in protest against the ceasefire deal with Hamas, which they call a "surrender."

Footage from Gaza:

Hamas repositioning its forces, continuing to control Gaza

Footage from Gaza shows Hamas police officers operating in the areas where Gazan civilians are returning to their homes, despite claims ceasefire has not taken effect.

After 1.5 hours, Hamas gives names of hostages

The start of the ceasefire was delayed by Hamas' failure to provide the names of the hostages who are supposed to be released today by the deadline.

'Clear and immediate danger'

Prison guards appeal decision to release terrorist to Shechem

Female prison guards from the Gilboa Prison appeal to Supreme Court, demanding that terrorist Mahmoud Atallah, who raped and sexually assaulted them, be released abroad instead of within Israel.

IDF strikes terror targets in north, central Gaza

The ceasefire was supposed to go into effect at 8:30, but did not because Hamas has not provided the names of the hostages who are supposed to be released today.

IDF Spokesperson:

Ceasefire didn't begin, Hamas didn't give names of hostages

IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari delivers a statement to the media as the ceasefire was supposed to come into effect and following the recovery of the body of Oron Shaul, a decade after he fell in Operation Protective Edge.

Mia Schem:

I can't believe the dream is happening & the nightmare is ending

Released hostage Mia Schem on Sunday morning posted on Instagram her excitement about the new ceasefire-prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas.

Netanyahu:

Ceasefire won't start at 8:30 if Hamas doesn't send hostage list

PM says the ceasefire will only go into effect when Hamas fulfills its obligation to provide Israel with the names of the hostages who will be released today.

The lump in my throat

I badly want to believe that with this deal, there is more than meets the eye and it will end well. Op-ed.

PM's office denies

Ben Gvir: They offered to credit me for firing the Chief of Staff

Minister Itamar Ben Gvir speaks about the offers he received from the Prime Minister to convince him to remain in the government despite the hostage deal. Netanyahu's office responds: An absolute lie.

Gaza government implementing a plan to return to routine

Hamas government announces plan that will be implemented following the ceasefire agreement and the withdrawal of IDF troops.

After Israel submits response

Supreme Court rejects petitions against hostage deal

State Attorney’s Office submits position on the petition filed to the Supreme Court against hostage release deal: The heart goes out to the petitioners and the other families affected by terror, but the petition should be dismissed. Supreme Court rejects the petitions.

Houthis warn of 'consequences' for Yemen attacks during ceasefire

Houthi rebels claim responsibility for attack on a US aircraft carrier, issue warning about the “consequences” of any retaliation during the anticipated Gaza ceasefire.

Bereaved father at hostage rally

'Thank you my son, you sacrificed your life for this victory'

Zvi Zussman, father of Sergeant First Class (res.) Ben Zussman who fell in Gaza, speaks at rally at Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv: It's time to stop the war without giving up on its goals.

Shin Bet chief: This is a 'no-choice' deal

Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar says at Cabinet meeting that the hostage release deal is difficult and that he himself arrested some of the terrorists who will be released, but justifies implementation of the deal by the momentum created.

Trump:

'The hostage release deal better hold'

US President-elect comments to NBC News on ceasefire and hostage release deal, says he told Netanyahu: Just keep doing what you have to do. We want it to end, but to keep doing what has to be done.

Minister Eliyahu:

'Let those who signed the deal not come to the funerals'

Minister Amichai Eliyahu denounced the hostage deal, saying that it would only bring additional terror attacks.