Hostages in Gaza

Herzog calls on political echelon: 'Bear communal responsibility'

Herzog: 'The political echelon must unite with all force. Bear communal responsibility, take all steps needed, to bring hostages home.'

Minister May Golan:

Committed to countering threats and disrupting your evil plans

Minister May Golan, in message to Hamas terrorists: 'Prepare for continued engagement. Trust me, you will face many years of our presence. Despite facing terror and violence, the people of Israel will continue to stay strong.'

Hostage Families Forum

'Conditions 6 hostages were kept in alarming, sign deal now'

The Hostages Families Forum responds to the publication of the conditions the six hostages who were executed by Hamas terrorists less than two weeks ago were kept in for nearly eleven months before they were murdered.

Report:

3 hostages whose bodies were recovered in Dec. were killed by IDF

Hebrew media reports Ron Sherman, Nik Beizer and Elia Toledano were killed in the same tunnel where Hamas commander Ahmed Ghandour was eliminated, and the IDF has known for months.

PM on criticism from hostage's family: 'I listen, I don't judge'

PM Netanyahu responds to the publication of a recording of the family of murdered hostage Ori Danino criticizing him when he made a shiva visit to them.

Families of hostages:

'Trump, Harris, what will you do to bring our loved ones home?'

The families of the 7 American hostages held in Gaza have requested that ABC ask the presidential candidates in their debate tomorrow what they will do to bring the hostages home.

Father of murdered hostage:

'You built the tunnel where my son was murdered'

Elhanan, father of Ori Danino, murdered in Hamas captivity, blamed PM Netanyahu for the 10/7 attack: 'You gave them tunnels and dollars.'

Germany:

Woman assaulted for wearing 'Bring them home now' T-shirt

Muslim man grabs woman's shirt, demand she take it off, knocks out husband's tooth because he was angered at the sight of a shirt supporting the hostages held by Hamas.

Cabinet ministers horrified after watching terror tunnel footage

IDF presents Cabinet with chilling footage from the tunnel where six Israeli hostages were found murdered and their bodies recovered.

Gantz:

Release hostages from Gaza - or we invade Lebanon

Benny Gantz commented during his trip to Washington that if no deal is reached for the hostages, Israel should begin an open war in the north.

'We must keep fighting for them'

Hundreds rally in Central Park to mourn six murdered hostages

Rally in Tel Aviv marks 10 years since Avera Mengistu's abduction by Hamas. Meanwhile in Central Park, hundreds rally to mourn six Israeli and American hostages murdered after 11 months in captivity.

'Sad, upset and frustrated'

WH officials considering forgoing new proposal entirely

US officials say much of the focus has shifted to seeing if the Egyptians and Qataris can press Sinwar to lessen his demands as they Biden admin begins to give up hope.

The final moments of the six hostages' lives

Preliminary investigation presented to the families of the six hostages murdered in Gaza finds they were kept in a narrow tunnel, without air, toilets or showers.

IDF investigating:

Were false Hamas documents leaked to foreign press?

The IDF is investigating the manipulative use of Hamas documents found in Gaza to influence public opinion in Israel on the hostage deal.

Hostage's father: Humanitarian aid torpedoes my son's return

Kobi Samerano, father of murdered hostage Yonatan Samerano, criticizes Israeli government for allowing humanitarian aid to reach Hamas. 'You are torpedoing my son's return while you are feeding Hamas.'

Hostage release deal

CIA Director: Both sides need to make difficult compromises

CIA Director William Burns says a more detailed ceasefire proposal would be made in the next several days: 90% of the paragraphs have been agreed upon.

Freed hostage recalls his time with murdered hostage

Andrey Kozlov, who was rescued from Hamas captivity during Operation Arnon, recalls the time he spent with Alex Lobanov, who was murdered in captivity and whose body was recovered from the Gaza Strip.

Arab source: Hamas didn't toughen its positions

Hamas is demanding that a higher number of high-profle terrorists with blood on their hands be released in a prisoner swap deal - even in exchange for 'humanitarian' hostages.

This is Hamas' new demand for a ceasefire deal

Washington Post reports Hamas is demanding a last-minute change in prisoner swap-ceasefire deal; 'take it or leave it' proposal 'indefinitely' delayed.

'We had to smile'

Released hostage gives details on Hamas' hostage videos

Released hostage Aviva Siegel details how she was forced to say her lines 'again and again,' says Hamas tried to make her look presentable before taking photos. 'We had to sit next to them and smile and say everything is OK, just for the picture.'

Ambassador Hotovely:

'The international pressure should be on Hamas'

Israel’s Ambassador to the UK: Hamas is using children as shields while committing unspeakable crimes. In order to have a better future, we need to put more pressure on Hamas.

'Deranged murderer of hostages'

Woman arrested after throwing sand at Ben Gvir

27-year-old woman arrested after throwing sand at National Security Minister as he was spending time with his family on a beach in Tel Aviv. Another person shouted at him: The hostages are dying in Gaza because of you.

Using the hostages:

Hamas document reveals psychological warfare strategy

German newspaper Bild reports on Hamas document detailing how the terror group seeks to shift blame in Israel for hostages' plight to the government and blame for lack of a deal internationally to Israel.

Dr. Mordechai Kedar:

'We can have endless war or we can have deterrence'

Dr. Mordechai Kedar insists that as the war carries on, Israel must take new approaches on each front.

Prof. Anne Bayefsky:

US Amb walked out before Israeli Amb spoke on killing of hostages

Professor Anne Bayefsky, the Director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights, tells Arutz Sheva the UN Security Council meeting on the issue of the hostages was hijacked by anti-Israel elements, US Amb. Linda Thomas-Greenfield walked out before Amb. Danon spoke about the killing of Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

Blinken:

'Nearly 90% of the Gaza ceasefire deal is agreed'

Secretary of State says it is incumbent on both Israel and Hamas to say yes on remaining issues to reach a Gaza ceasefire deal: The mediators will share their thoughts on how to resolve the issues.

David Friedman:

'You've got to pick a side between good and evil'

Former US Ambassador to Israel notes the absurdity of Biden administration pressuring Netanyahu to reach a deal with Hamas leaders they indicted: Why would anybody think that someone who brutally murdered 1,200 people and kidnaped another 250 would want a deal?

Psychological terror continues

Hamas releases footage of Hersh Goldberg-Polin

Hamas publishes a video of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of the six hostages who were murdered in captivity and whose bodies were recovered from the Gaza Strip this week.

Report:

Sinwar planned to smuggle himself and hostages to Iran

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar reportedly intended to flee the Gaza Strip via the Egyptian border and travel to Iran together with other Hamas leaders and the hostages.

Prof. Aryeh Eldad:

'Withdrawing from Philadelphi Corridor an immoral step'

Former MK Professor Aryeh Eldad, a member of the 'Professors for a Strong Israel' organization, tells Arutz Sheva he believes politicians who say Israel can return to the Philadelphi Corridor are 'lying.'

Zvi Yehezkeli:

'I warned it would happen and it can happen again'

Zvi Yehezkeli, expert, author and i24NEWS senior commentator, says solution to current conflict is 'to see the Middle East in the same way that they see themselves, and not the way we see them.'

Families of hostages pressuring Biden to make unilateral deal

Families of Americans held hostage in Gaza pressuring Biden administration to work towards unilateral deal with Hamas terror group, NBC reports.

US official:

Nothing in ceasefire agreement mentions Philadelphi Corridor

Disagreement between Israel and Gaza focuses on 'densely populated' areas, Hamas threatening to execute additional hostages, report says.

Danon to Security Council:

'Have you forgotten why we're in Gaza? Put pressure on Hamas'

UN Security Council convenes for first session on hostages in Gaza; Israeli Ambassador demands Council rethink its approach. 'We will not stop until we bring everyone home.'

Hamas:

'No need for new proposals, pressure Netanyahu'

Hamas again rejects renewed negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage release deal, calls for pressure on Netanyahu to accept proposal.

US official:

'We can account for Israel's security if it leaves Philadelphi'

Senior US official rejects claims that proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal would endanger Israel's security: That is just fundamentally untrue.

Watch:

CNN reporter's connection to parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin

CNN commentator Anderson Cooper recounts how in the early days of the war he provided the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin with the video that proved he was taken hostage and the connection he developed with them.

Chris Cuomo:

'We are not a new Prime Minister in Israel away from peace'

In emotional video, Chris Cuomo condemns the moral relativism of those who defend Hamas after it executed 6 hostages, lays blame for ongoing war on Hamas for carrying out October 7 massacre.

Next to stuffed animals

The tunnel where bodies of six hostages were found

The IDF published footage of the shaft leading to the tunnel from which the bodies of the hostages Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alex Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and MSG Ori Danino were recovered.

Psychological terrorism

Hamas releases footage of hostages who were murdered in captivity

Hamas published footage in which Alexander Lobanov and Carmel Gat, who were murdered last week, beg Israelis to protest for their release.

Netanyahu:

'A deal to withdraw from Philadelphi will kill us'

Israeli Prime Minister holds English language press conference on the war and hostage talks in light of the execution of the 6 hostages, stresses importance of Israel retaining control of Philadelphi Corridor.

Chief of Staff in Gaza:

'We must not give up on any of the war goals'

IDF Chief of Staff LTG Herzi Halevi held a situational assessment in the central Gaza Strip and said that the IDF is doing everything possible to bring the hostages back alive.

Human Rights Expert:

'Hamas playbook resembles despicable UN diversionary tactics'

Professor Anne Bayefsky, the Director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights, speaks to Arutz Sheva about the UN Security Council's first-ever official discussion about the hostages held by Hamas, and cautions not to expect UN to suddenly care about Israeli lives after 11 months of inaction.

Mother of murdered hostage:

'Ori would refuse to be released in exchange for a terrorist'

Mother of murdered hostage, Ori Danino, talks about her son, the rumors that upset her, and says, 'A hostage deal must include everyone, without exception.'

Hostage's twin sister:

'We are all waiting for you to come home'

Li-Yam Berger, sister of hostage Agam Berger, sends a message of hope and faith: 'I hope you are staying strong and filled with faith, we are all waiting for you.'

Retired judge ripped down photos of hostages, fallen soldiers

Heroes Forum files complaint with police against retired judge Sara Haviv, who was filmed ripping down signs bearing the photos of hostages and fallen IDF soldiers.

Initial findings:

Hamas identified IDF forces approaching & murdered the 6 hostages

Initial IDF investigation following the deaths of six hostages in Gaza shows that Hamas observed the forces approaching the area near the hostages, decided to murder them.

IDF reservist:

'If we leave Philadephi, we can forget about the hostages'

IDF reservist, Oded Harush, on importance of Philadephi Corridor: 'If we leave Philadephi, we can forget about the hostages. They will be smuggled out through Rafah Crossing and we will never know where they are.'

The psychological terror:

Hamas publishes video of murdered hostage Ori Danino

Hamas publishes a video of Ori Danino, one of the six hostages who were murdered and whose bodies were recovered this week from the Gaza Strip.

Co. Richard Kemp:

'Resuming UNRWA funds while undermining Israel morally bankrupt'

Former commander of British forces in Afghanistan tells Arutz Sheva the British govt. did not consider the optics of announcing the suspension of some arms sales to Israel right after Hamas executed 6 Israeli hostages.

UNHCR wants independent investigation into execution 'reports'

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on Tuesday called for an independent investigation into "reports" about the execution of six Israeli hostages by Hamas last week.

NYC

Anti-Israel protester says Hersh-Goldberg-Polin 'deserved' to die

Protestor at anti-Israel demonstration in New York City filmed dismissing the execution of US citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin, claiming he should not have been in Israel and that Hamas did not kill him.

Pramila Jayapal:

'Netanyahu sacrificing the hostages'

Squad member and Israel critic appears to blame Israeli PM for deaths of 6 hostages while not mentioning the Hamas terrorist organization that actually executed them.

Global Imams Council:

'Hamas responsible for deaths and suffering since Oct. 7'

Global Imams Council condemns execution of hostages by Hamas terrorists and calls on all religious leaders to 'unite against acts of terror and work towards a future of peace and respect for human life.'

Ritchie Torres:

'Newsflash to media: Hostages didn't 'die,' they were murdered'

NY Democratic Congressman criticizes media for saying the 6 hostages Hamas executed, including US citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 'died' instead of saying they were murdered.

You self-righteous protesters - you do not speak on our behalf!

You trample on the memory of all those that have fallen as you conspire with your fellow protesters to subvert the government. You choose to turn the hostages into your own pawns, playing with their plight. Opinion.

In first: UN Security Council to hold meeting on hostages in Gaza

'After 11 months since the kidnapping of hundreds of innocent civilians, it is certainly time for the Security Council to address this issue,' Ambassador Danny Danon says.

Minister Amichai Eliyahu:

'Supporters of Disengagement are responsible for hostages'

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu claimed that the blame for the hostages lies with anyone who supported the Disengagement Law in 2005.

New footage released of kidnapping of 84-year-old Elma Avraham

Avraham, a resident of Nahal Oz, seen in the footage as a terrorist orders her to forcefully exit the kibbutz, while speaking to her in Arabic.

Deri to Netanyahu:

The vote on Philadelphi was a grave mistake

Report: Shas chairman criticized Prime Minister over the cabinet vote on the Philadelphi corridor but clarified that it must not be reversed.