Hostages in Gaza

Idan Shtivi's father:

'My prayers were not wasted, they went to the other hostages'

Idan Shtivi, who was murdered on October 7th, 2023, and whose body was recovered last week, was laid to rest.

Huckabee:

'Israel must decide how to bring back hostages, defeat Hamas'

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee visits school in Eshkol Region, supports efforts to bring hostages home. 'A lot of people are putting the pressure on Israel. The pressure needs to be directed at Hamas.'

Hostages Forum:

'Netanyahu blocking deal that could bring hostages home'

'Every missed opportunity to advance a deal prolongs their suffering and deepens Israel’s national wound,' the Hostages Forum respond to PM Netanyahu's statement in the cabinet that the hostage deal is off the table.

Netanyahu to Cabinet ministers: Partial deal not on the table

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuses to hold vote on resolution opposing partial deal with Hamas, claiming such a deal is 'not on the table.'

Education Minister warns against students' strike

Students who skip classes in protest will be marked absent, Education Minister Yoav Kisch warns.

Cousin of murdered hostage:

Trump could broker 'ultimate deal' to free hostages

In live virtual conversation, Gil Dickmann mourns his cousin Carmel Gat, murdered a year ago in captivity, and urges leaders to end the war and bring hostages home, calling Trump the one who could broker the “ultimate deal.”

Families of hostages protest outside Cabinet meeting

Relatives of some of the hostages demonstrate outside Cabinet meeting, demanding deal with Hamas. 'You have ten days to end this.'

'Israeli hero'

Eli Shtivi reveals: Idan was in a special IDF unit

Eli Shtivi revealed his son Idan, recently recovered from Gaza, was a special unit fighter who resisted terrorists before being shot and taken.

Shtivi family alerted on the way to memorial event for Idan

The Bnei Akiva branch in Gitit inaugurated a community garden in memory of Idan Shtivi. His family was on the way to the dedication event when they received word that his body had been recovered.

Body of hostage Idan Shtivi returned to Israel

The body of Idan Shtivi was retrieved by the IDF together with that of Ilan Weiss.

Senior defense official:

'Living hostages could have been home last week'

Senior defense officials urge Israel’s Cabinet to accept a hostage deal over Gaza invasion, warning that rejecting it risks lives and delays the return of hostages. A decisive meeting is set for Sunday.

IDF Chief vows:

'We will not rest until all hostages are returned'

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir comments on strikes in Yemen and Gaza, pledging relentless efforts to recover hostages and confront Iran-backed terror groups: “There is no containment.”

Abducted body of 10.7 victim Ilan Weiss returned to Israel

The IDF and Shin Bet recovered the body of Ilan Weiss, who was murdered on October 7th, from Gaza.

Father of hostage:

'The world must pressure Hamas, not Israel'

At a press conference in Tokyo with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Ilan Gilboa-Dalal criticizes the international community for pressuring Israel instead of Hamas.

Heartwarming:

Released hostage prepares educators for the year ahead

Just days before the new academic year, the senior leadership of the Bnei Akiva school network came together with hundreds of school principals and administrators for an inspirational evening with released hostage Eli Sharabi.

Senior defense officials warn:

'Hamas will strengthen if IDF withdraws from Philadelphi'

Netanyahu instructs Minister Dermer to negotiate a comprehensive deal on the hostages and ending the war. Senior officials caution: Withdrawal from Philadelphi will empower Hamas.

55 days hungry, sick, humiliated

Captivity survivor's chilling UN testimony

Ilana Gritzewsky, survivor of Hamas captivity and partner of hostage Matan Zangauker, told the UN Security Council of beatings, starvation, and abuse in Hamas tunnels, urging action.

Keith Siegel: Every day in captivity, I said 'Shema Yisrael'

Freed hostage Keith Siegel says captors attempted to force him to convert to Islam, says captivity strengthened his connection to Judaism.

Hostage's brother:

Deal not dependent on gov't, only Netanyahu can decide

Yaakov Bohbot, brother of hostage Elkana Bohbot, wonders aloud why Israel must press for agreement on its terms if Hamas has already agreed to a previous offer.

‘Nation trembles and aches’

President, captivity survivor issue call to free hostages

President Isaac Herzog and captivity survivor Eliya Cohen urge all efforts to secure the hostages' release: "Take all possible steps to bring them home."

Tel Aviv:

Thousands gather to call for deal with Hamas

Thousands gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv for a 'national day of struggle,' urging the Israeli government to reach a deal with Hamas to secure the hostages’ release.

Netanyahu to the cabinet:

'I don't know why Trump said hostages have died'

During the Security Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed remarks by the US President that fewer than 20 hostages are alive.

Grandfather of released hostage:

'Hamas is not bending, they are defeating us'

Yosef Engel, whose grandson Ofir was taken hostage by Hamas and returned to Israel, says that his expectations from the cabinet are low, 'The occupation of Gaza would be a disaster.'

Watch: Tens of thousands attend Selichot prayers at Western Wall

Tens of thousands of Jews attend first Selichot prayer session of the year at the Western Wall, alongside released hostages and relatives of those still held captive in Gaza.

Families of hostages launch nationwide protest day for deal

Families of the hostages launched a nationwide protest this morning as part of a declared 'day of civic struggle' to demand the cabinet agree to a hostage deal.

Surrounded by terrorists:

New footage of the abduction of Nimrod Cohen

The family of hostage Nimrod Cohen released new footage showing Nimrod being kidnapped and led by Hamas terrorists into the Gaza Strip, where he has been held in Hamas tunnels for 689 days.

President Trump:

'Fewer than 20 hostages remain alive in Gaza'

U.S. President Donald Trump again said that there remain 'probably less than 20, because one or two are gone.'

New images from the abduction of Nimrod Cohen

The family of captive soldier Nimrod Cohen published new images on Monday showing the moment Hamas terrorists abducted him on October 7th, 2023.

Family of Nimrod Cohen:

We will release the footage of his abduction

The family of captive IDF soldier Nimrod Cohen will release footage of him being led by his captors to Gaza.

Eisenkot:

'No coalition change needed for hostage deal'

Gadi Eisenkot says a hostage deal "requires no political change, only a decision by one person." Gantz responds: "You also need to know how to say yes."

Smotrich to Gantz:

'Welcome to join the government - without preconditions'

Smotrich: "If Gantz wants to join to strengthen our resilience to defeat the enemy until complete victory and the return of all hostages - I welcome it."

Report: Negotiations for ceasefire with Hamas to restart

Arab reports say negotiations for Gaza ceasefire may resume - while Israel continues preparing for military operation.

Families stage 7:10 AM protest outside Cabinet ministers' homes

Families stage 7:10 AM protest outside Cabinet ministers' homes: "We won't forgive continued stalling. Listen to the people: End this war and bring everyone home."

Qatar-Gate

Hostage negotiator suspended for two weeks

Maj. Gen. (res.) Yoav ‘Poli’ Mordechai was removed from Israel’s hostage negotiations team after police barred his involvement amid the Qatar-Gate bribery investigation.

Gantz proposes:

Time-limited government for hostage deal and draft law

Blue and White chairman MK Benny Gantz offers to join the government to secure a comprehensive hostage deal, pass a draft law, and set elections for spring 2026.

'Hostage murderer'

Leftist activists harass Ben Gvir

Protesters disrupt minister's Shabbat walk to synagogue in Sharon region, verbally accost him and his soldier son.

Bonfire lit in Tel Aviv: We are done staying silent

Families of hostages hold series of protests and call for participation in a "National Day of Action" on Tuesday.

Details of Hamas' ceasefire proposal revealed

Hamas demanding release of 150 mass murderers, agrees to 700-meter perimeter in some areas of Gaza.

Netanyahu to OAN:

'Hamas starving hostages while media spreads lies'

In an exclusive interview with One America News, PM Netanyahu discusses the Gaza war, the propaganda against Israel, and his strong alliance with President Donald Trump, emphasizing that Hamas starves hostages.

Hostage families to Netanyahu:

'Move to the negotiating table'

The families of Israeli hostages hold a Shabbat gathering outside the Prime Minister’s Residence, demanding PM Netanyahu "leave the Shabbat table and move to the negotiating table" to secure a deal and bring all captives home.

Trump:

'There are probably less than 20 living hostages in Gaza'

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on the Gaza war, stating that fewer than 20 hostages are likely still alive and that the situation is a form of blackmail that must end. Gal Hirsch: There is no change in the information we have.

Mosab Hassan Yousef to Arutz Sheva:

Hamas' goal is to divide Israeli society, collapse government

Former Hamas insider Mosab Hassan Yousef, known as the 'Green Prince,' warns that partial hostage deals will only prolong Hamas rule, compares Hamas to 'the new Nazis,' and urges world Jewry to unite around Israel.

Netanyahu

'I approved taking control of Gaza City and hostage negotiations'

PM visits Gaza Division, says he approved plans to defeat Hamas militarily and talks to bring all of the hostages home and end the war at the same time.

Smotrich threatens to quit government over hostage deal

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has warned that he will leave the government if Netanyahu proceeds with any deal with Hamas.

Israel's hostage dilemma in the fog of war

The moral dilemma is more complex than a battle between emotion and reason. With passionately held competing views, is there any sound basis for evaluating the ethical choices?

Report:

Terrorist who forced hostage to kiss him eliminated

Gazan sources reported that Ghassan Salot, the terrorist who forced captivity survivor Omer Shem Tov to kiss his forehead during his release ceremony, was eliminated in Dir al-Balah

Fmr. Navy chief:

Israel can not make a partial deal

R. Adm. (res.) Eliezer Marom warned that Israel cannot afford a partial deal with Hamas, stressing that only a full offensive or comprehensive agreement will prevent the terror group from regrouping.

Tal Shoham shares

The letter that gave hope in Hamas captivity

Ex-hostage speaks about the horrors he endured in his 505 days in captivity, his feelings at the continued captivity of his friends, and reveals the letter he received that provided a ray of light in the darkness.

Ex-Hostage to CNN:

'I feel guilty when I eat'

As negotiations to free the remaining hostages continue, released hostage Eliya Cohen shared his harrowing story and the weight he still carries 6 months after his release.

Amb. Huckabee

'We want back the innocents who were in Hamas' way & kidnapped'

US Amb. to Israel meets the family of Bipin Joshi, a student from Nepal who was abducted by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 massacre, notes Hamas kidnapped and continues to hold him Bipin even though he isn't Israeli.

Terrorist who abducted Yarden Bibas eliminated

Jihad Kamal Salem Najjar, a terrorist in Hamas' military wing who infiltrated Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7 and took part in the abduction of Yarden Bibas, eliminated.

'Hostages are humanitarian cases,' families tell UN

Hostages Families Forum reaches out to Red Cross, World Health Organization, and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Right on World Humanitarian Day.

Bereaved families to PM

'Hamas is playing games with our loved ones - time for victory'

The Hagvura Forum responds to reports Hamas has agreed to a partial deal allowing it to keep 10 living hostages, urge Netanyahu not to accept such a deal.

Israeli official

'We will leave no hostage behind'

A senior diplomatic official emphasized that Israel is committed to the release of all hostages, following Hamas’s agreement to only a partial deal for the release of 10 of the 20 living hostages.

One year after murder:

Sisters of Eden Yerushalmi remember her as ‘hero, full of life’

The family of Eden Yerushalmi, abducted from the Nova Festival and murdered with five other hostages in Hamas captivity, gathered at her grave to honor her life and memory.

Minister Dermer's secret visit to the UAE

Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer recently met secretly with senior officials in the UAE, leading a diplomatic delegation.

Amit Segal:

'Hamas's response proves - military pressure brings hostages'

Political commentator Amit Segal says the Prime Minister is keeping the option of a partial deal with Hamas open, even as those close to him claim his focus is on conquering Gaza.

Israel receives Hamas response to ceasefire proposal

A senior Arab official said that the proposal includes a kilometer withdrawal in northern and eastern Gaza, the release of 200 terrorists serving significant sentences in exchange for ten living hostages.

Hostages' Families Forum declares second day of disruptions

The Hostages’ Families Forum announced another nationwide day of disruption this Sunday under the banner 'Israel Stops Again,' culminating in a mass evening rally in Tel Aviv.

Families Plead With Trump:

Legacy could be ending Gaza, Ukraine wars

Families of Israelis held in Gaza urged President Trump to seize the moment and achieve a 'deal of all deals' to end both the Gaza and Ukraine wars and secure the hostages’ release.