Hostages in Gaza

Rothman accuses media of promoting Hamas starvation campaign

MK Simcha Rothman reminds Knesset Channel host that the media refused to publish hostage videos at the start of the war and wondered: "What has changed?"

Herzog in Vilnius:

Hostages are victims of crimes against humanity

President Herzog urges global action from Vilnius, exposing dire hostage conditions in Gaza and accusing the UN of failing to deliver Israeli-supplied aid.

Hostage's father:

'Increase pressure, now is not the time to give in to Hamas'

Tzvika Mor, whose son is held captive in Gaza, urges the Israeli government to decisively defeat Hamas and take full control of Gaza, 'victory, not surrender, is the only way to secure the release of hostages.'

Sa'ar slams global media silence on hostage torture

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar demands urgent international action on the Gaza hostage crisis, condemns Hamas propaganda tactics, and criticizes global media silence.

MK blocks Gaza aid trucks at Allenby Crossing in protest

MK Yitzhak Kroizer joins Allenby Crossing protest against humanitarian aid to Hamas: 'Giving Hamas air to breathe while harming the hostages.'

'Utterly disgusting'

Chikli slams Piers Morgan over hostage video remarks

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli rebukes British journalist Piers Morgan for comparing belief in Hamas hostage videos to skepticism of Gaza casualty figures.

German Chancellor:

Hostage footage shows Hamas brutality, Israel must not mirror it

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemns Hamas for torturing Israeli hostages and using Gazans as shields. Citing disturbing footage of Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, Merz calls for a ceasefire conditioned on the hostages' release.

David Friedman:

'NY Times pushed false Gaza story, ignores emaciated hostages'

Former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman accuses the New York Times of publishing false claims against Israel while ignoring real evidence of Israeli hostages' suffering in Gaza.

Father of Evyatar David:

'He’s silent, emaciated, unrecognizable'

Avishai David, father of hostage Evyatar David, describes the latest images of his son in captivity: "He's silent, terrifyingly thin, disconnected from the world."

‘Disgusting hypocrites’

Sky News host slams anti-Israel march for ignoring hostage

Watch: Sky News Australia's Rowan Dean condemns anti-Israel marchers in Sydney, accusing them of siding with Hamas while hostage Evyatar David suffers and calling for them to “hang their heads in shame” over their hypocrisy.

Hamas says it's ready to respond to Red Cross demands on hostages

Terror group's spokesman says it will finally allow the Red Cross to visit and provide food to the hostages 2 years after their kidnappings if the Gaza humanitarian crossings are opened.

Hostage families

'Hamas can't hide its evil, each hostage death is on their hands'

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters responds to Hamas claim it will finally allow the Red Cross to deliver food to hostages 2 years after they were kidnapped.

Netanyahu

'Hamas wants to break us - We will eliminate them'

The Prime Minister responds harshly to the hostage videos released by the murderous terror organization: “They are starving them like the Nazis starved the Jews.”

The shocking video of hostage Rom Braslavski

The family has approved the publication of videos distributed by the Hamas terrorist organization, saying: "A real nightmare, we cry with him."

Netanyahu to Red Cross

'Images of hostages reminiscent of Nazi crimes'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded that the Red Cross ensure that food is provided to the hostages in Gaza and that they receive immediate medical treatment.

David Lammy

'Every hostage must be released unconditionally'

British Foreign Secretary calls recent Hamas and Islamic Jihad hostage propaganda 'sickening,' does not walk back Starmer's threat to recognize 'Palestine' even while Hamas remains in power.

Macron

Hostage videos show Hamas's abject cruelty, limitless inhumanity'

Despite acknowledging the evil of Hamas and the plight of the hostages in recent psychological warfare videos, the French President refuses to back down from his plan to recognize a 'State of Palestine' next month.

French FM:

Hostage videos 'unbearable,' Hamas must be disarmed

French FM Jean-Noel Barrot condemns Hamas hostage videos as “despicable” and calls for the group’s disarmament. His remarks come as backlash grows over President Macron’s announcement that France will recognize a Palestinian state in September.

Smotrich:

'One response - total destruction!'

Smotrich calls Hamas terrorists "Nazis who abuse with inhuman cruelty", says the video of hostage Evyatar David aims to break the spirit of the people - but Israel will not surrender.

Netanyahu:

'Hamas committing Nazi-style abuse against hostages'

Netanyahu speaks with the families of hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David after distressing videos of them, condemns Hamas’s cruelty and reaffirms Israel's ongoing efforts to secure the hostages' release.

'Stupidest take yet'

Piers Morgan under fire over post on Hamas

Piers Morgan draws heavy criticism after suggesting that pro-Israel voices were inconsistent for trusting Hamas hostage videos while rejecting uncorroborated Gaza casualty figures. Users slam the post, calling it “cruel” and “stupid”.

Released Hostage:

'I chose to fast in the tunnels on Tisha B'Av'

At a Tisha B’Av night event in Tel Aviv, former hostage Agam Berger delivered a powerful speech, recounting her experience in captivity and reflecting on the resilience of the Jewish people throughout history.

Pres. Herzog to world leaders:

Demand aid reach civilians - not terrorists

President Isaac Herzog condemns Hamas’ treatment of hostages, urges world leaders to demand hostages’ release and stop aid from reaching terrorists. 'This is a test of humanity.'

Terrorist's hand reveals depth of Hamas' lies

Hamas claims its terrorists are malnourished just like the hostages - but a single moment in a video released by the terror group itself proves otherwise.

Released Hostage:

'Hamas has plenty of food a few meters away'

Released hostage Tal Shoham explains exactly how much food Hamas has - and how they still refuse to share any with the hostages.

President Herzog at Eicha:

'Our hearts burn with pain for the hostages'

Attending Tisha B’Av reading of Eicha, President Isaac Herzog refers to disturbing video of hostage Evyatar David, calls on Israelis to fast and pray for the captives’ safe return. 'They are everyone's sons.'

Captivity survivor:

'There's food beyond that door - I smelled it'

Hamas captivity survivor Omer Wenkert speaks at demonstration, says video of Evyatar David brings him back to Hamas' tunnels. 'I know they have food there beyond the door, I used to smell it every day while I was getting two handfuls of rice a day.'

Israel warns:

Hostage deal unlikely, Hamas pushing for escalation

Israel is losing hope for a hostage deal as Hamas reportedly withdraws from talks and leaders relocate to Turkey. “The talks are in the process of collapsing,” says a source.

Sister of hostage:

'Evyatar’s condition hit me like a million punches'

After Hamas releases video of hostage Evyatar David in poor condition, his sister pleads for privacy. Former hostage Omer Wenkert says the video shows the harsh reality of Hamas captivity: “I lost 37 kilos in captivity, I didn’t see my captors lose even one.”

Father of Rom Braslavski:

'He’s broken, he’s dying - no one is talking to us'

Father of hostage Rom Braslavski expresses anguish after disturbing new footage of his son is released.

Hamas publishes video of hostage Evyatar David

Hamas publishes video with a sign of life of hostage Evyatar David

Steve Witkoff at Western Wall:

'I pray for the hostages and an end to the war'

During a diplomatic visit to Israel, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff visited the Western Wall ahead of Tisha B’Av, where he offered a personal prayer, placed a note in the Wall, and voiced support for Israel and the hostages.

Rubio

'Nations that recognize Palestine can't even say where it is'

US Secretary of State criticizes France, UK, and Canada for rewarding Hamas terror by recognizing a Palestinian state while Hamas still holds hostages, notes Hamas has less reason to release the hostages.

Hostage’s mother to gov't:

'Defeat Hamas or bring everyone back'

Ditza Or, mother of Avinatan who is being held captive in Gaza, addresses National Vision Conference: Either defeat Hamas or bring everyone back.

Sign of life from hostage Rom Braslavski

The Islamic Jihad terror organization published footage of the Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski, claiming that it was filmed before contact with his captors was lost.

Hostage Families Forum

'No justification for partial, selective deal'

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters states in response to reports US, Israel are considering a new deal that only a deal to free all of the remaining 50 hostages is acceptable. 'Time is running out.'

White House

Trump feels that France, UK, & Canada's decision rewards Hamas

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says the President opposes the recognition of 'Palestine' because it is 'rewarding Hamas at a time where Hamas is the true impediment to a ceasefire and to the release of all of the hostages.'

The UK and France are killing the hostages

Why would Hamas possibly give up the remaining hostages or show any flexibility in negotiations if it will receive official recognition from major Western powers without having to do anything? Opinion.

Starmer dismisses ex-hostage's criticism of Palestine recognition

British PM rejects criticism from captivity survivor Emily Damari of his threat to recognize Palestine while Hamas remains in power and continues to hold hostages.

Trump:

Humanitarian crisis will end when Hamas surrenders

In Truth Social post, US President says hostage release is key to ending Gaza crisis.

Amid Gaza crisis

White House envoy Steve Witkoff heads to Israel

White House envoy Steve Witkoff leaves for Israel for talks on the deepening Gaza crisis and stalled ceasefire negotiations. His visit includes meetings with Israeli leaders and a possible trip to Gaza to assess humanitarian conditions firsthand.

Hostage families welcome call for Hamas to relinquish Gaza

Hostages and Missing Families Forum praises a rare Arab League call for Hamas to disarm and step down from Gaza, calling it vital progress. The group urges world powers to demand hostage releases and hold Hamas accountable for obstructing peace.

Israel's message to Hamas:

Make a deal soon, or we will start annexing territory in Gaza

Annexation of Gaza buffer zone, martial law, and siege tactics among options if Hamas refuses to agree to deal in coming days, senior official warns.

Agam's message six months after being released from captivity

Six months after her release, Berger shares emotional message urging unity to redeem captives. 'You returned the tune to my life.'

Hostages Families:

Recognizing Palestinian state rewards Hamas, not peace

British hostage families urge UK to halt recognition plan until all captives are freed, warning it may embolden Hamas and delay their release.

Nir Oz

Gadi Mozes, captivity survivor, lays slain partner to rest

Katz, partner of freed hostage Gadi Mozes, was reburied in Nir Oz after temporary burial; Mozes vows to help rebuild community and fight for release of remaining captives.

Minister Amichai Eliyahu

'The hostages matter, but only victory will bring them back'

Heritage Minister responds in interview with Arutz Sheva to the criticism of his call to redefine the remaining hostages as "prisoners of war."

'Violence earns legitimacy'

Captivity survivor slams UK plan to recognize Palestinian state

Emily Damari warns that UK recognition of Palestinian statehood while Hamas controls Gaza may legitimize terror and obstruct efforts for long-term peace.

Amichai Eliyahu:

Hostages are POWs, Gaza will be Jewish after Hamas defeat

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu says Israel shouldn't address Gaza hunger during wartime, sovereignty will bring security.

Released hostage:

Arbel Yehud speaks about the ongoing fears and pain

Six months after her release from Hamas captivity, Arbel Yehud shares the emotional pain of leaving her partner behind, calls on Israeli leaders to take bold action to bring the remaining hostages home.

Netanyahu to hostage families

'There's 1 big obstacle - Hamas'

PM releases video addressing the families of the remaining hostages in which he blames Hamas for their continued captivity. 'Since the return of the delegation from Qatar, we have not stopped trying.'

Emotional gesture:

Philipino hostage survivor names his newborn daughter Yisraela

Jimmy Pacheco, Philipino worker taken hostage from Kibbutz Nir Oz and released from Hamas captivity, names his fourth daughter Yisraela, as a tribute to Israel.

Trump:

I told Bibi to fight Hamas ‘a different way’

US President tells reporters Hamas was unwilling to negotiate and used hostages as human shields, urging Israel to shift tactics in ongoing fight.

Defense Min.:

If Hamas won't release hostages, gates of hell will open on Gaza

Defense Minister Israel Katz warns 'gates of hell' will open on Gaza if hostages aren't released, stresses IDF's superhuman efforts to protect Gaza civilians.

Ofer's unimaginable victory:

From Hamas' tunnels to the Champs-Élysées on a bicycle

Ofer Calderon, held by Hamas for 484 days, joins Israel-Premier Tech at the Tour de France's final stage in Paris, fulfilling a promise made during his captivity and calling for the return of all hostages.

Hostage's parents urge one-phase deal to bring all hostages home

'No more delays, no more partial deals': New Yorkers rally with hostage families in Central Park to 'bring everyone home.'

Trump

'I know what I'd do in Gaza, Israel has to make a decision'

US President says America gave $60 million to provide food to Gaza, but no other nation contributed to the effort, Hamas has less reason to negotiate with fewer hostages in its grasp.

Report: Hamas preparing for hostage rescue operations

Saudi report says Hamas on high alert due to concerns of cooperation on potential hostage rescue operations.

'Treated like animals'

Emily Damari exposes Hamas tunnel torture

Emily Damari, freed from Hamas, shares her 471-day ordeal: tiny cages in fetid tunnels, severe injuries, and constant fear. She details her defiance against captors and pleads for the release of 50 remaining hostages, including her best friends Gali and Ziv Berman.

Sa'ar to Canadian FM:

'Diplomatic pressure aids Hamas, not peace'

FM Sa'ar tells Canadian counterpart Israel accepted ceasefire and hostage deal, but Hamas refused. He warns "strong diplomatic attacks" and "unilateral steps by France" embolden Hamas and undermine peace efforts.