Hostages in Gaza

Defense Min. takes off for US visit

Defense Min. takes off for official visit to the US, promises to focus on preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge, achieving common goals of victory over Hamas, returning hostages home.

Hostage's Brother:

'He said 'Shema Yisrael, they've captured us''

The brother of hostage Ohad Ben-Ami was exchanging text messages with Ohad when Hamas terrorists breached their home.

Report:

Israel demanding return of Hadar Goldin, Oron Shaul

Israel seeking return of bodies of soldiers murdered and kidnapped 10 years ago, rejects Hamas demand 30 terrorists be freed for every freed female soldier.

Psychological terror:

Hamas claims hostage has died

Hamas spokesman claims one of the hostages died as a result of a lack of medicine and food. In accordance with the family's request, we refrain from publishing his name.

Former Minister:

'We hope our fallen son supports a deal'

Former Minister Izhar Shay asked permission this evening from his son, killed in action on October 7th, to support a prisoner exchange deal.

Hostages' relatives to Biden:

'Push all parties to agree to the deal'

Relatives of 81 hostages being held by Hamas send letter to US President, urge him to press Netanyahu and all other parties to reach an agreement to secure the release of their relatives.

US to submit draft UNSC resolution on Gaza

US says the new resolution will urge "an immediate ceasefire" in Gaza linked to the release of the hostages held by Hamas.

South African Jews 'fight back' on Human Rights Day

As their government aligns with Hamas and Iran, South African Jews turned several Johannesburg suburbs yellow by tying yellow ribbons around trees in support of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Per hostages' families' request

Jerusalem Purim parade to undergo changes

This year's Purim parade will be called 'Purim United' and the music during the parade will be at a lower volume.

Watch:

Hour of Jewish unity for the release of the hostages

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum will host a global hour of Jewish unity and prayer at the Western Wall and will end with the Shema prayer.

Blinken:

'Hostage release deal is very much possible'

Secretary of State optimistic that deal is close: If Hamas cares about the people it purports to represent, then it would reach an agreement.

1/4 pita, cheese, and olives

Hostages' families give mishloach manot to MKs

Breaking the Purim tradition, the mishloach manot, which usually consists of sweets, contained a quarter pita, a spoonful of cheese, and two olives – the amount of food that the hostages have been receiving for 166 days.

Global hour of Jewish Unity:

Special prayer for hostages held at Kotel tomorrow

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum will host a global hour of Jewish unity and prayer at the Western Wall, that will be live broadcast worldwide tomorrow (Thursday), from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m, ending with the Shema prayer.

President to honor 3 hostages killed in Gaza tragedy

President Herzog to honor the three hostages, Yotam Haim, Samer Talalka and Alon Shamriz, who were tragically killed by IDF forces while escaping Hamas captivity.

Ben Gvir, Smotrich announced:

'If murderers are released, we'll leave the gov't'

TV report: Finance Minister and National Security Minister said in closed conversations that they would leave the government if terrorist murderers were to be released.

Video showing kidnapping of IDF soldier located

IDF finds video of the kidnapping of soldier Oz Daniel. Hamas edited the video so that it would appear that Daniel was kidnapped while he was still alive.

Watch:

Funeral held for Cpt. Daniel Perez

The IDF on Sunday announced that it determined that Daniel was killed in action on October 7th and that Hamas was holding his body. Daniel was the son of Rabbi Doron Perez, the CEO of the World Mizrachi movement.

A sad birthday

Birthdays of two hostages marked in the Knesset

The families of the hostages came to the Knesset to mark the birthdays of Shlomo Mansour (86) and Doron Steinbrecher (31) who are being held captive by Hamas.

Biden to Irish PM:

'Two-state solution the only path to lasting peace'

US President Joe Biden hosts Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, calls for increase in the scope of humanitarian aid to Gaza and for a hostage release deal.

Former Minister:

'Release my son's murderer for hostages'

Former Minister Izhar Shay says he would be happy to watch the execution of the terrorist who murdered his son on October 7, but would prefer that he be released in exchange for hostages.

Cabinet approves:

Mandate for Israeli negotiating team

Political-Security Cabinet meeting concludes after more than three hours. Cabinet approves departure of Israeli delegation to Doha for talks on hostage release deal.

Cleared for publication:

Cpt. Daniel Perez killed on 10/7, body held by Hamas

Daniel Perez, 22 from Yad Binyamin, served as a platoon commander in the 78th Battalion of the 7th Formation. His body is currently being held hostage by Hamas. A funeral is being planned for tomorrow, to be followed by Shiva.

Report:

Hostage deal drafted by ex-MK suspected of spying

Former MK Azmi Bishara, who left Israel following suspicions of espionage, now serves as a senior advisor to Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

President Herzog:

'The hostages must remain above all controversy'

President Herzog pledged to do everything possible to recover the hostages at the ceremony held today for soldiers whose grave is unknown.

Blinken, Bahrain Crown Prince discuss hostage deal

US Secretary of State meets Bahraini Crown Prince in Manama to discuss potential ceasefire-hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

Hostage celebrates 80th birthday

'How is he in Gaza while the world remains silent?'

Loved ones of hostages were joined by the ambassadors of France and Germany to call for the hostages' release.

PM didn't answer, Gallant calls special meeting

Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant announced on Saturday that he convened a special meeting this evening with IDF, Mossad, and Shin Bet officials and representatives of the hostage negotiations team to discuss Israel's efforts to free the hostages.

Hamas demands:

800 terrorists for 40 hostages

The terror organization is demanding that in the first stage, Israel would retreat from al-Rashid and Salah al-Din streets to allow the displaced Gazans to return to the northern Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu approves plan for Rafah

The Prime Minister has approved the plan of action for Rafah. The IDF is preparing for operational action and to evacuate the populace.

Hostage's sister after UN visit:

'There is a change, Israel must use rape report'

Yarden Gonen, whose sister is held by Hamas, reviews the UN Security Council meeting regarding Hamas sexual crimes.

Report:

IDF to launch limited rescue operations in Rafah

Lebanese newspaper reports Israel has informed Egypt and received US approval for 'pinpoint' operations in Rafah to rescue hostages.

Hamas's ceasefire proposal

Terror group would release women, children, elderly, and sick in exchange for 700-1,000 terrorists, start of talks on permanent ceasefire.

Hostage release deal:

Hamas submits response, Cabinet to convene

The Cabinet will meet on Friday afternoon and discuss Hamas' response to the deal. Prime Minister’s Office: Hamas continues making preposterous demands.

Netanyahu to hostage families:

'We are starting to see Qatar's pressure on Hamas'

PM Netanyahu met with representatives of the hostage families: "Until now we haven’t received a real response from Hamas."

Sarkozy to hostages' families:

'Silence is a death sentence for the hostages'

Families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza meet former French President Nicolas Sarkozy at his residence in Paris.

Freed hostage:

'Nurses at Gaza hospital were cheering'

Judith Raanan, who was kidnapped together with her daughter on October 7 and freed 13 days later, shares her experience in TV interview.

Former hostage:

'Hamas spat on, slapped me during surgery'

Itay Regev, who was freed from Hamas captivity in November, describes to the BBC how horrific his treatment was, including being forced to undergo surgery to remove a bullet without painkillers.

Biden reacts to death of Itay Chen:

'Devastated, won't stop trying to get hostages home'

US President reacts to killing of US citizen Itay Chen and the abduction of his body by Hamas, reiterates 'commitment' to families of the hostages.

Hostages' cousin to CNN:

'When you look at your kids, remember their faces'

In an emotional conversation, six men and women whose loved ones were taken hostage by Hamas told Jake Tapper about their feelings, expectations from the world, and hopes.

'Why did they abduct my brothers?'

Relative of hostages confronts PA ambassador at UN

Ali a-Ziyadna berated Palestinian Authority Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour following a Security Council meeting that discussed Hamas's sexual violence.

CIA director:

'A ceasefire and hostage deal is critical'

CIA director William Burns tells Senators the parties are trying to broker a deal for a six-week ceasefire that would allow for the release of 40 hostages as well as Palestinian Arab prisoners being held in Israel.

Calls for release of hostages

PM's wife writes to Emir of Qatar's mother

Sara Netanyahu sends personal letter to the Emir of Qatar's mother on the occasion of Ramadan and for the release of the hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.

Erdan on UN chief:

'He cares more about terrorists than about hostages'

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN slams UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who called Israel’s war against Hamas a “catastrophic onslaught” against Gaza.

Jonathan Pollard:

'I am seriously considering entering politics'

'Something in this state needs to change, and I want to be a part of that change. I have no personal interests, only the land and people of Israel,' Pollard said in an interview.

'What you're doing is very brave'

Michael Rapaport speaks to hostage families

The Jewish-American actor spoke over the radio with family members of hostages who were traveling to testify before the UN Security Council.

Released hostage in NYC:

'We don't know how much longer hostages can survive'

Over 3,000 demonstrators gathered in Central Park to call for the release of the hostages being held by Hamas.

Hostages' families:

'Stop negotiations, enter Rafah now'

Tikva Forum, an organization representing families of hostages, says Hamas toying with Israel and the loved ones of the hostages in the negotiations.

Fallen Colonel's handgun found in Gaza

The gun belonged to Colonel Yehonatan Steinberg, and was found alongside other belongings of hostages.

Psychological terrorism:

Hamas claims seven hostages killed by Israeli fire

The communications officers accompanying the families of the hostages claim that there is no evidence to support Hamas' story.

'Not all Women's Day':

New York video-art display for women held by Hamas

A video-art display projected on the Israeli consulate in New York for International Women's Day shows the conditions of women abducted by Hamas and calls for their immediate release.

Hamas' new demand:

Release Arab-Israeli terrorists

Hamas demanding that Israel will not have the power to veto release of terrorists with Israeli citizenship as part of a hostage release deal.

Blinken to Gantz:

'Humanitarian plan needed before operation in Rafah'

Minister Benny Gantz meets US Secretary of State in Washington. State Department: The Secretary underscored the importance of reaching an agreement to achieve the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Biden:

'Hostage deal is in Hamas' hands'

US President says Israel has been 'cooperating,' agreed to 'rational' ceasefire deal, it will be seen in the next few days if Hamas agrees to this deal.

CEO of women's shelter:

‘We are sounding the voices of the abused hostages’

Adv. Tzilit Jacobson, CEO of Bat Melech, participated in the 'Women's Day' event at the Knesset dedicated to the hostages: ‘We will continue to raise our voices at every opportunity.’

Where is non-Nazified Gaza?

Gazans, show us that you are not all Hamas. denounce and hand over the fiends. Tell us where the hostages are. Opinion.

Hamas official claims:

'We don't know how many hostages are alive'

Amid talks on a hostage release deal, senior Hamas leader Bassem Naim claims a ceasefire is needed in order for Hamas to verify how many hostages are still alive.

Biden:

'I will not let up on a hostage release deal'

US President pledges to continue pushing for six-week ceasefire during which Hamas would release the hostages it is holding.

Mother of hostage:

Leshem-Gonen: Every morning I ask Romi to forgive me

Merav Leshem-Gonen, tearfully: ‘I ask for Romi’s forgiveness, because 150 days have passed and I have managed to bring her home.’

Hostage's brother:

‘Ramadan is month to murder Jews; not a holy time’

Yair Mor, brother of hostage Eitan Mor, speaks at Knesset session: ‘Increase military pressure during Ramadan, so that they learn not to mess with us.’

Yellow head covering - for the hostages

Neta Ben-Ami, a midwife at the Assuta Hospital in Ashdod and resident of Kibbutz Sa'ad, decided to wear a yellow head covering until all hostages have been brought home.