Hostage Deal

Hamas official confirms terror group met with Trump envoy

A senior Hamas official abroad confirmed to Reuters that the terrorist organization held a meeting with Trump hostage envoy Adam Boehler.

Report:

US demands Hamas release all captive US citizens unconditionally

PA media reports Trump Admin. withdrew from understanding that 250 terrorists would be released in exchange for the 5 remaining American hostages, demanding they be released unconditionally.

Report:

Israel confirms progress in US-Hamas talks on hostage deal

Trump's hostage envoy held talks with a senior Hamas official who was involved in planning the October 7 massacre. An Israeli delegation is expected to fly to Qatar tomorrow to continue the talks.

Hamas:

'The next released prisoners will free Jerusalem'

Zaher Jabareen, head of Hamas in Judea and Samaria, stated that 'We will not rest until the last prisoner goes home with his head high.'

Report: Hamas agrees to extend first stage of ceasefire deal

Al Hadath reports Hamas agreed to US initiative to extend first stage of ceasefire deal in exchange for the release of several living hostages; Hamas denies report.

Netanyahu's office:

Israeli delegation to leave for negotiations in Qatar

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirms Israeli delegation to leave for Qatar on Monday to negotiate advance negotiations to free hostages.

US advancing:

Initiative to release hostages - without Israel's involvement

US holding negotiations with Hamas to extend ceasefire in exchange for release of some hostages. Israeli source: 'Negotiations are being held above our heads.'

Mother of hostage:

'It's like I had a new daughter'

Shira Albag, mother of released hostage Liri, shares her experiences reconnecting with her daughter.

Trump Shocked:

'Wasn't anyone there kind? The hostages said no'

President Trump expressed his shock at the treatment of the hostages during an Oval Office press conference.

Progress on talks for deal's second stage? Israel denies it

Hamas claims progress on negotiations for second stage of deal, Israeli source clarifies: 'Not familiar with progress on talks at this stage.'

New York Times:

41 hostages died in captivity so far

A report reveals that 41 out of the hostages taken by Hamas died in captivity, some executed by Hamas, some mistakenly killed by Israel, and others whose cause of death is unclear.

Report:

Israel expressed outrage over secret US-Hamas talks

Axios reports that Israel’s deep concerns over secret negotiations between the Trump administration and Hamas resulted in heated exchange between Minister Ron Dermer and US envoy for hostages Adam Boehler.

Freed hostages urge Netanyahu:

'Bring the remaining hostages home now'

More than 50 hostages who were freed from Hamas captivity write letter to Netanyahu, call for the continuation of the deal with Hamas and the release of the 59 hostages who still remain in Gaza.

Report:

Netanyahu was not aware of US-Hamas talks

Washington Post report claims Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not informed ahead of time that the US and Hamas were holding direct talks, and expressed surprise when informed of the matter.

Trump on Hamas:

‘Somebody's going to have to get a lot rougher’

Trump asked whether the US and Israel could take military action against Hamas if the group doesn't release hostages: "You're going to find out. I put out a statement, it's sort of self-explanatory, I think, but somebody's going to have to get a lot rougher than they're getting."

Witkoff:

Trump said 'I've had enough' of Hamas's behavior

US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff speaks to reporters about the status of the hostage talks, states US citizen Edan Alexander's release is a top priority for the administration.

'With G-d's help we will succeed'

Released hostage Daniella Gilboa's message of unity

Survivor of Hamas captivity Daniella Gilboa published a video of her singing the song 'I'm Coming Home' and sent a message to the people of Israel: 'The most important thing is to be united.'

'You are a national hero'

President Herzog meets with released hostage Tal Shoham

President Herzog visited the home of former hostage Tal Shoham. 'All of Israel is moved to see you.'

Report:

Trump Admin. holding secret direct talks with Hamas over hostages

US hostage envoy Adam Boehler reportedly engaged in the first direct talks between the US and Hamas in decades over the remaining American hostages and chances for a deal to end the war.

Half of all terrorists serving life sentences released

274 terrorists serving life sentences released in first stage of hostage deal, 300 remain in prison.

UN:

Hostage families to be recognized as victims of Hamas terrorism

UN special envoy to present report recognizing Hamas' psychological terrorism against hostage families as violation of international laws of war.

Ohad Yahalomi, killed in Hamas captivity, is laid to rest

Funeral for Ohad Yahalomi, kidnapped to Gaza on October 7 and murdered in Hamas captivity, begins in Rishon Lezion; he will be buried in Kibbutz Nir Oz.

After a week and a half:

Captivity survivor Omer Wenkert returns home

Survivor of Hamas captivity Omer Wenkert, who was released from Hamas captivity a week and a half ago, was discharged from Beilinson Hospital.

FM Sa’ar:

Hamas rejected ceasefire, turned aid into terror funding

The Foreign Minister referenced past statements by former US President Joe Biden, who warned that international assistance would be cut off if Hamas diverted or stole aid.

Eli Sharabi to meet Trump:

'Saving lives is our goal, we will fight to the end'

Released hostage Eli Sharabi is meeting with US President Trump tonight 'on a mission to restore hope to the hostages'.

Uncle of Hostage:

'Maximum pressure on Hamas, we need them all back now'

Micha, uncle of hostage Eitan Mor, urges the government to abandon Steve Witkoff's plan, saying that it prolongs the hostages' suffering.

Op-ed:

Monsters and more

Here’s a description of Hamas that hasn’t been used as of yet: sub-human. That’s an on-target description. At least, it’s as much on-target as the next 2,000-pound bomb headed to Rafah Opinion.

State Department:

Witkoff to head to Middle East amid ceasefire deadlock

State Department spokesperson says that Trump’s Middle East envoy plans to return to the region in the coming days to work out a way to continue the ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Defense Minister:

If Hamas doesn't release hostages, the gates of hell will open

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a threatening message to Hamas this evening demanding the release of the hostages: "We will return to fighting and they will meet the IDF with strength and in ways they have never known."

Netanyahu:

'Sorry it took so long'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with released hostage Eli Sharabi and urged him to tell his story to President Trump.

Released hostage Agam Berger visits Joseph's Tomb

Released hostage Agam Berger visited Joseph's Tomb last night along with Samaria governor Yossi Dagan.

Qatar condemns Israel’s halting humanitarian aid to Gaza

Qatar condemns Israel’s decision to halt the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, calling it a violation of international law and the ceasefire agreement.

EU:

'Hamas must accept ceasefire, Israel must allow humanitarian aid'

European Union condemns Hamas for rejecting an extension of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, but also criticizes Israel’s move to block humanitarian aid.

Hostage's father:

'Returning to war now makes no sense'

Ilan Dalal, the father of the hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal, said that the only thing that could bring his son and the other hostages home is a long-term ceasefire and withdrawal from Gaza.

Prime Minister Netanyahu:

'Trump is Israel’s greatest friend in the White House'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement thanking President Trump for his strong support and noted that Hamas's demands for a ceasefire are 'totally unacceptable.'

Released hostage gets reparative surgery on amputated fingers

Released hostage Emily Demari spoke today about the ordeal of losing her fingers in the October 7th massacre. She had a second surgery upon returning to Israel to heal the chronic pain from the surgery in Shifa Hospital in Gaza.

Egypt and Qatar working to extend ceasefire

Egypt has proposed a mediation offer to extend the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, during which Hamas will transfer three live hostages and three bodies.

MK Rothman:

All Zelenskyy's done is attack Israel, no reason to support him

MK Simcha Rothman told Arutz Sheva that as long as Ukraine continues to criticize Israel, Israel should not pick a side between it and the US and even between it and Russia.

Netanyahu warns:

'Hamas making big mistake, there will be further consequences'

PM explains decision to halt aid to Gaza was made in response to Hamas' rejection of the Witkoff ceasefire extension and stealing of the humanitarian aid that has gone into Gaza until now.

Report:

Egypt proposes release of 3 living, 3 dead hostages

According to the report by Qatari media, Egypt proposed Hamas release 6 hostages, half living and half dead, in exchange for extending Phase 1 by 2 weeks.

Report:

Israel demanded release of 5 living hostages, Hamas refused

Al Jazeera reports that Hamas refused Israel's offer to extend the ceasefire by a week and release more terrorists in exchange for the release of 15 hostages, 5 living and 10 deceased.

Hostage's uncle:

'The US proposal will kill all hostages'

Shimon Or, the uncle of Avinatan, who was taken hostage to Gaza, vehemently opposes US proposal to extend ceasefire.

Israel halts humanitarian aid to Gaza

Decision not to allow any more humanitarian aid into Gaza comes in response to Hamas's refusal to accept the Witkoff proposal to extend the ceasefire. 'If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be additional consequences.'

Ben-Gvir:

'Absolute disgrace' PM accepted Witkoff ceasefire extension

Otzma Yehudit leader says Israel should have followed Trump's lead in giving Hamas the ultimatum of releasing all hostages or hell would be unleashed rather than following the lead of Trump envoy Steve Witkoff.

Trump invites Eli Sharabi, other captivity survivors to DC

US President Donald Trump watched translated excerpts of an interview with captivity survivor, Eli Sharabi; invites Sharabi and other survivors to White House.

Hamas refuses to release any hostages except as part of phase 2

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem rejects Steve Witkoff's proposal for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan and Passover, insists Israel must agree to end the war completely to receive the remaining hostages.

Following ‘slip of the tongue’:

Barkat apologizes to Eli Sharabi

Economy Minister Nir Barkat issues apology following his remarks on Channel 12 program, in which he stated that he was "dealing with more important matters" when asked if he had watched the interview of captivity survivor Eli Sharabi.

In exchange for hostages' release:

Israel agrees to Witkoff's plan for temporary ceasefire

Prime Minister's Office says Israel accepts plan to extend ceasefire through Ramadan, Passover, in exchange for release of all hostages still held in Gaza.

Hamas: We won't accept outside interference in governing Gaza

Hamas leader reveals terror group prioritizing forcing Israel to capitulate, claims terror group wants to aid Gaza residents.

Released hostage leaves hospital care

Released hostage Omer Shem-Tov was released from hospital care today and made his way home accompanied by a heavy police escort and cheering crowds.

Sign of Life:

Hostage Nimrod Cohen spotted alive in Hamas video

Nimrod Cohen appeared in the background of a video released by Hamas showing the Horn brothers.

Watch:

Omer Shem Tov returns to his home in Herzliya

Omer Shem Tov, freed from Hamas captivity earlier this month, is released from the hospital and returns home to Herzliya, is greeted by city residents who gathered to greet him.

Emotional:

Released hostage sings for those still captive

'To my fellow hostages - go to the corner of your rooms and sing with me.'

Hamas rejects Israel's proposal to extend first stage of deal

Hamas spokesman says terror group rejects Israel's proposal to extend first stage of ceasefire deal, says there are no negotiations for second stage.

Psychological terrorism:

Hamas publishes footage of the Horn brothers' goodbyes

Hamas publishes video clip showing hostages Eitan Horn and Iair Horn, as they part ahead of Iair's release after 498 days in captivity.

Mediators warn:

'Ceasefire extension at risk without progress on second phase'

Kan 11 News reports that the mediators warned the Israeli delegation during negotiations in Cairo that if talks on the second phase of the hostage deal do not progress, the ceasefire will not be extended.

Tsachi's brother's moving eulogy

'You were the glue that connected us'

Udi Idan, brother of Tsachi who was murdered in Hamas captivity, gives moving eulogy at his funeral: You were a principled and modest man, a caring family man and an exemplary father. You didn't deserve such an end.

Hostage deal talks:

Netanyahu to hold rare Friday night consultation

The Israeli negotiation team is expected to return from Cairo on Friday evening after a day of talks on extending the first phase of the hostage deal and the ceasefire in Gaza.

'I beat captivity'

Watch: Released hostage Omer Wenkert dances with his father

Omer Wenkert, who was released after 505 days in captivity, took to Instagram to declare his victory over captivity.

Bezalel Smotrich:

'Hostage deal will lead to rivers of blood spilled'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich proposed that instead, Israel should annex Gaza until the hostages are returned.