Hostages in Gaza

Austin, Gallant discuss 'threats from Iranian-backed groups'

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks by phone with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, amid escalation in the north and talks on a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

New UK Foreign Secretary:

'I back international efforts to secure Gaza ceasefire'

Britain's newly appointed Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, reiterates his support for international efforts to secure an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza and for the release of remaining hostages.

Report:

Mossad 'optimistic' Cabinet will approve hostage release deal

Israeli delegation led by Mossad chief David Barnea leaves Doha after meeting with Qatari mediators, will consult with the Israeli government.

Gantz to Netanyahu:

Not the time for ego games when hostages are running out of time

‘It’s not all up to you. But you must show commitment, determination and true intentions this time also. Even when the prices are higher,’ Benny Gantz, Chairman of the National Unity party, addressed PM Netanyahu,

Mothers of hostages:

'Nine months without our children - Bring them home!'

In a powerful display of solidarity, mothers of hostages and thousands of supporters gathered at HaBima Square for the Mothers' Cry March to call for a prisoner exchange agreement.

Mother of hostage:

Release of hospital director a war crime

'While that monster was released, I sit at home and my heart goes out to my son, just to touch and feel a bit the baby I brought into the world.'

Biden:

'Netanyahu and I discussed hostage release deal'

Biden posts to social media site X about his conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu: We discussed the deal I outlined and is endorsed by the UN Security Council, the G7, and countries around the world.

Hamas official:

Israeli reports about hostage deal untrue

Basem Naim, a member of Hamas' diplomatic bureau, insists that in contrast to the reports, his organization demands that during the first stage, there will be a ceasefire between the sides.

Political source:

Netanyahu to dispatch team for more hostage talks

After reviewing Hamas's latest response, Israeli political echelon reportedly more optimistic that a deal to free the hostages can be reached.

Brother of hostage:

'We were notified, Hamas says my brother is no longer alive'

Danny Elgarat, whose brother Itzik was taken hostage by Hamas, says he was notified by intelligence officers that according to the terror organization, his brother is dead.

Hostages' families demand immediate action this Independence Day

'As the United States celebrates its independence, we're reminded that freedom remains elusive for 120 hostages, including eight US citizens,' Hostages Families Forum says.

Israeli source: We're on the brink of a deal with Hamas

Israel will evacuate Rafah Crossing, proposed deal allows Israel to return to fighting if Hamas violates conditions, reports say.

Hamas:

'We view the talks in a positive spirit'

Hamas says its leader, Ismail Haniyeh, held talks with the Qatari and Egyptian mediators on a possible ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Mossad:

'We've received Hamas' response and are evaluating it'

The Prime Minister's Office stated that Israel is evaluating the remarks and will convey its reply to the mediators.

Islamic Jihad says it is worsening treatment of hostages

According to the al-Quds Brigades, the treatment of the Israeli hostages is directly affected by the treatment of the security prisoners and it will continue to get worse as long as the Israeli government continues its current policies.

Noa Argamani to her mother:

‘Thank you for waiting for me. You will always be part of me’

Liora Argamani, mother of rescued hostage Noa, laid to rest in the new cemetery in Be'er Sheva, after she passed away following a long battle with cancer.

Report:

Hostages' families in deteriorating condition

Interviews conducted with the families reveal damages in a wide range of areas related to physical and mental health requiring significant treatment.

After her daughter's rescue:

Mother of rescued hostage Noa Argamani passes away

Ichilov Hospital announces that Liora Argmani, mother of Noa Argmani who was rescued from Hamas captivity, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer: She spent her final days next to her daughter.

Father of murdered hostage:

'Sorry my daughter, even now they continue to abandon you'

The father of Noa Marciano, who was murdered at Shifa Hospital, called out the release of the hospital's director.

President Herzog:

'The road to destruction is paved with despicable words'

President Herzog criticized the attacks against bereaved families: 'We must put an end to verbal violence and hatred that is bringing us to the edge of the abyss’

Sister of Hostage:

'Stop associating us with anti-govt. protests, it hurts'

Yarden Gonen, whose sister Romy is one of the remaining hostages in Gaza, rejects the growing public connection between the hostages and anti-government protests.

US proposes new language for hostage deal

A source told Axios that that if Hamas agrees to the new language presented by the US 'it will allow to close the deal.'

Hamas captivity survivor Noa Argamani speaks

Hamas captivity survivor Noa Argamani: "Although I'm home now, we can't forget about the hostages who are still in Hamas captivity, and we must do everything possible to bring them back home."

Watch:

Israeli artists gather for tribute to Nova Music Festival victims

Tens of thousands take part in event in Yarkon Park which began with a minute of silence in memory of the 405 people who were murdered at the Nova Music Festival.

Freed hostage to Biden:

'In the name of American values, keep pushing for their freedom'

On the eve of the US Presidential debate, Hamas captivity survivor Maya Regev addresses the President of the United States: I was saved, but 120 hostages, including Americans, are still held and abused in Gaza.

Hostages' families to accompany Netanyahu during Congress speech

Netanyahu is scheduled to address Congress on July 24, will be accompanied by families of people held hostage in Gaza and of people who have been killed in the war.

House Speaker to Biden:

'Your actions against Israel are making hostage release harder'

House Speaker Mike Johnson writes letter to President Joe Biden, says his undermining of Israel is making it more difficult to bring about the release of the remaining American hostages being held by Hamas.

Hostage's mother:

'I might be a grandmother after she was held for 9 months'

Families of hostages demand answers from PM on the status of the hostage negotiations. Orly Gilboa, the mother of IDF observer, Daniella Gilboa, reveals her fears of what is happening to her daughter.

Rescued hostage welcomed home by yeshiva students

Students from the Ma'alot Yeshiva High School and Hesder Yeshiva sang and danced as they greeted the rescued hostage Shlomi Ziv who returned to his home in Elkosh.

Mother of hostage:

'We live in a parallel universe of unadulterated torment'

Rachel Goldberg, the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, said that all she yearns for is to 'be blessed to have my only son come home to me alive, and soon.'

Shocking footage:

Video of kidnapping of hostages from 'Death Shelter' released

At the request of their families, the Hostage Families Forum released the footage from the kidnapping of Eliya Cohen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, and Or Levy.

The Road to Hell:

Hostage Families Forum to Release Abduction Video

At the request of the Goldberg-Polin, Levy, and Cohen families, the video of the kidnappings from the "Death Shelter" at the Nova music festival will be released tonight.

Hamas claims:

'Netanyahu is opposed to Biden's ceasefire proposal'

Hamas responds to Netanyahu's comments in Channel 14 interview, claims they prove he is opposed to the ceasefire and hostage release deal which was put forward by US President Joe Biden.

Watch:

Special priestly blessing for freed hostage Almog Meir Jan

Rabbi Zion Cohen, Chief Rabbi of the city of Or Yehuda, holds special Birkat Kohanim for Almog Meir Jan, who was rescued from Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Mother of hostage:

'At UN, I spoke from my heart - I spoke as a mother'

Meirav Leshem Gonen, mother of Romi, who is being held hostage by Hamas, says of her speech at the UN: 'It was challenging. They weren't silent. They just attacked us on misleading information.'

Rescued Hostage:

'I missed the holidays, what kept me going was faith'

In a meeting with Rabbi Yoav Oknin, the hospital rabbi at Sheba Medical Center, rescued hostage Almog Meir Jan spoke about missing the holidays and his time in Hamas custody.

Hostage turns 20:

Family implores: 'Bring our daughter home'

The family of hostage Naama Levy addressed their daughter this evening on the occasion of her 20th birthday, which she is spending in Hamas custody.

Qatari PM:

'We're trying to bridge the gap between Israel and Hamas'

Qatar's Prime Minister says his country is continuing mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages: We have not reached a formula that we feel is the most appropriate.

'We will be a united nation'

Rescued hostage Almog Meir Jan speaks out

Almog Meir Jan, who was rescued in Operation Arnon, spoke publicly for the first time and thanked the security forces and the people of Israel.

Bibas family member to Trump:

'Take shackles off Israel so it can win, bring back hostages'

Yossi Shnaider, cousin of Shiri Bibas, writes to former President asking him to change US policy on Israel if he is elected so that Shiri, Yarden, and 4-year-old Ariel and 1-year-old Kfir can be brought home.

Former hostage graduates high school

Agam Goldstein-Almog, who was held hostage for 51 days in Gaza after watching her father and sister be murdered, graduates high school 7 months after she was released.

'What a joy to see you'

Prime Minister Netanyahu meets hostage rescued in Op. Arnon

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara on Thursday met with Shlomi Ziv, and members of his family – his wife Miran, his mother Rosetta, and his sisters Revital and Adi.

Netanyahu to ISA operatives:

'Your daring operations made the State of Israel proud'

The Prime Minister was presented with the sequence of actions initiated by the ISA Operations Unit, including the operations to rescue the hostages: Ori Megidish, Louis Har, and Fernando Marman.

PM to dead hostages' families:

'We will not give up on anyone, dead or alive'

Prime Minister Netanyahu promised: 'We will not leave the Gaza Strip until all of the hostages return, and we will not leave until we eliminate Hamas's military and governing capabilities.'

Hostage's cousin delivers plea at UN Human Rights Council meeting

'If it was your child who was kidnapped by terrorists and you knew about the horrors they were enduring, including rape under gunpoint, trust me, you’d never pass this report.'

Hostage's mother:

'Please let me hug my daughter again'

Meirav Leshem Gonen, whose daughter Romi was kidnapped on October 7, tells UN Human Rights Council all should be on the same side against hostage-taking.

Released hostage Ada Sagi:

‘I don't believe in peace now’

Released hostage, Ada Sagi, spoke about her captivity, her loss of hope for peace, and the payment Gaza residents were given to guard the hostages: ‘I heard them say 70 shekels a day, that's a lot of money in Gaza, because they don't have jobs.’

Hostage’s mother to daughter:

'We are fighting relentlessly for you to come home'

Hostage’s mother, Ayelet Levy, sent a message of encouragement to her daughter Naama, who is celebrating her birthday in captivity. "You are a strong, heroic and determined girl. You were like that from the first moment you were born."

How Moshe Feiglin remembers the hostages in Gaza

After participating in a TV panel, not knowing that the cameras were still rolling, former MK Moshe Feiglin removed his shoe to show the sister of one of the hostages how he remembers them.

Ex-hostage at White House:

'In captivity you have no control over your mind, body, or soul'

Amit Soussana, released hostage, spoke at White House event and disclosed details on Hamas sexual violence.

Hostage's father demands Lapid join unity government

After demanding that Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot enter a unity government at this difficult time, Eli Shtivi, father of Idan, a hostage in Gaza, demanded the same from Yesh Atid.

President Herzog speaks with family of Nepalese hostage

The President spoke with the family of Bipin Joshi, an agriculture student who was kidnapped on October 7 and continues to be held by Hamas.

Hostage's father to Lapid:

'Shoulder the burden and join the government'

Eli Shtivi, the father of hostage Idan Shtivi who was taken to Gaza, attended the Yesh Atid party meeting and called on Lapid to immediately join the government in a move of unity.

Operation Arnon:

Identity of terrorists who held rescued hostages disclosed

Neighbors were shocked to hear that Ahmad Aljamal, a 73-year-old family doctor, and his son, Abdallah, a 37-year-old Al Jazeera journalist, held four rescued hostages.

Biden:

'Ceasefire plan is the only way to achieve a lasting peace'

Biden pushes for the ceasefire in Gaza and hostage release deal that he recently outlined: The three-phase ceasefire proposal is the best way to end the violence in Gaza.

US national security adviser:

'Qatar and Egypt plan to talk with Hamas on Gaza ceasefire'

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan tells reporters that mediators for Qatar and Egypt plan to engage Hamas soon to see if there is a way to push ahead Biden's ceasefire proposal.

Dramatic and moving footage from the rescue of Noa Argamani

In the footage, Argamani's rescuers are seen entering the apartment where she was being held, talking to her and calming her down. She is later rescued from the building as one of the officers carries her on his back.

G7 leaders:

'We fully endorse Biden's ceasefire and hostage release deal'

Leaders of the G7 countries declare support for the ceasefire and hostage release deal outlined by US President Joe Biden, express concern over recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah.

Freed hostage Andrey Kozlov:

'I saw a lot of rallies and it gave me a lot of hope'

Six days after his rescue from captivity, Andrey Kozlov is urging the public to attend Saturday night's rally at Hostages Square.

Helmet cam footage:

Freed hostages evacuated under fire

Footage from the soldiers' helmet cameras from the moments when the hostages and the special forces were transferred to vehicles under fire in Nuseirat, during Operation Arnon.