Hostages in Gaza

'The ransomed shall return'

Watch: Yeshivas celebrate return of hostages on Simchat Torah

Videos obtained by Arutz Sheva show revelers dancing to the words: 'And the ransomed of the L-rd shall return, And come with song unto Zion.'

Rom returned from captivity and donned tefillin

Tami Braslavski speaks painfully of the attempts to break Rom's spirit, 'They told him that if he converted to Islam, he would receive food and gifts. But Rom replied - I am Jewish, I am strong, I will not break.'

Family of murdered Nepalese hostage Bipin Joshi: 'You are a hero'

Family of Nepalese citizen murdered in Hamas captivity releases a moving farewell after his body is returned to Israel: 'Every flower and field will remind us of you - you are part of the Land of Israel.'

Report:

New details about the wrong body that Hamas handed over to Israel

Israeli officials said Hamas mistakenly returned a Gazan’s body instead of an Israeli hostage, but Arab sources claim it was intentional - part of Hamas’s ongoing psychological tactics.

'He was put in a pit'

Yosef Chaim's appalling torture in Hamas captivity

'For two years I did not sleep from pain, and now I do not sleep from joy,' says father of released hostage Yosef Haim Ohana, describing his son’s miraculous survival and the faith that sustained his family.

Released hostage: 'I have merited to live my life anew'

Hamas captivity survivor Bar Kupershtein gifts Defense Minister Israel Katz a bracelet with the words, 'Always in the Creator's hands.'

Father of Hostage:

'I can finally say that my son was a soldier'

Avi Ohana, father of released hostage Yosef Chaim Ohana, reveals that he had never publicly stated that his son was a soldier for fear of causing him greater harm.

Hamas misled Israel:

Fourth body transferred to Israel not that of an Israeli hostage

National Institute of Forensic Medicine clarifies that one of the four bodies Hamas transferred to Israel is not that of a slain hostage but that of a Gazan in IDF uniform.

'What a frenzy':

Avinatan Or's first video after returning from Gaza

Former hostage Avinatan Or sent his friends his first video message in two years.

Hagai Angrest reveals:

Terrorists gave Matan a prayer book, he prayed thrice daily

Hagai Angrest, father of newly-released hostage Matan Angrest, says his son asked for a prayer book in captivity, suffered severe torture. 'He was a soldier who fought against them.'

Returning from captivity:

Bodies of Tamir Nimrodi, Uriel Baruch, and Eitan Levy identified

The bodies of hostages Tamir Nimrodi, Uriel Baruch, Eitan Levy, and an additional hostage were transferred to Israel for burial.

The last hostage to see Guy alive

Freed hostage Maya Regev, who met the late guy Illouz in a Gaza hospital while the two were both in Hamas captivity, shares memories of his final moments following his body's return to Israel.

Four slain hostages returned to Israel

Red Cross receives coffins containing the bodies of 4 hostages from Hamas, brings the coffins to the IDF.

Hamas told Eitan Mor

'Your father isn't protesting, you'll get out first'

Hostage survivor Eitan Mor told Netanyahu that during his time in captivity in Gaza, he had conversations with Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, the head of Hamas' military wing.

Father of released hostage:

Yosef Chaim's return is a model of faith

Avi Ohana, father of Yosef Chaim, released from Hamas captivity, said: 'Yosef Chaim’s return is a sign of Divine mercy, faith, and unity. I thank the Creator, the IDF, the people of Israel, and the nation’s leadership.

Trump

'Hamas will disarm, and if they won't, we will disarm them'

US President says Hamas knows 'I'm not playing games' in demanding the terror group's disarmament. 'It'll happen quickly and, perhaps, violently, but they will disarm.'

Wife of Elkana Bohbot: 'I won'

Rivka Bohbot, wife of released hostage Elkana, shared moving moments with her son Re'em, and called to bring the rest of the hostages home, 'I never gave up, this is my personal victory.'

Trump

Job not done as long as Hamas holds dead, phase 2 begins now

US President says the mission of returning all of the hostages is not complete as long as the bodies of the last 24 hostages are still held in Gaza.

Body of Yossi Sharabi returned to Israel

The family of hostage Yossi Sharabi confirmed that his body was returned to Israel and he was officially identified at the Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Avinatan Or was systematically starved in captivity

Avinatan was completely isolated. For two whole years - he did not meet other hostages and knew very little about what had happened in Israel since October 7.

Bodies of four hostages identified

The bodies of Daniel Peretz, Yossi Sharabi, Guy Illouz and Bipin Joshi have been identified at the National Center of Forensic Medicine

Hostage famileis warn

'What we feared is happening, only 4 families are able to bury'

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum sent an urgent letter to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, expressing both profound gratitude and deep alarm that the bodies of 20 hostages remain in captivity.

Alon was held in chains in tunnel, used as a human shield

The family of former hostage Alon Ohel said that for most of his captivity he was held in the same tunnel, chained and in pain.

Apology issued

CNN’s Amanpour claims hostages were treated better than Gazans

CNN’s Christiane Amanpour apologizes for saying Hamas “probably” treated hostages better than Gazans. Critics condemned the remark as pro-Hamas and insensitive to victims.

After living hostages returned

Hamas returns bodies of four slain hostages

Four deceased hostages’ coffins transferred to Israel after being received by the IDF and Shin Bet from the Red Cross. Military tribute held in Gaza before transfer to Israel for identification. Israel urges Hamas to release all the remaining hostage bodies.

Starved, isolated, shackled:

Hostages share Gaza captivity ordeals

Freed hostages share chilling details of Gaza captivity, including starvation, isolation, and emotional moments like Elkana Bohbot’s anniversary plea.

Watch:

Freed hostage Evyatar David reunites with family

Evyatar David reunites with his family after being freed from captivity. A Hamas video showing him digging his own grave drew global condemnation two months ago.

Watch:

Avinatan Or and Noa Argamani reunited after harrowing ordeal

Freed after two years, Avinatan Or reunites with his parents and girlfriend Noa Argamani, both abducted by Hamas from the Nova Festival. Their story became a global symbol of the October 7 attacks.

Watch:

Freed hostage Eitan Horn reunites with brother Iair

Eitan Horn, freed from Hamas captivity, reunites with his brother Iair, also a former hostage. The two endured months together in harsh conditions before being released in separate hostage deals.

Trump:

'Most hostage bodies in Gaza will be found'

President Trump, speaking in Egypt, expresses optimism about recovering hostage bodies from Gaza and praised Egypt’s pivotal role in advancing peace talks with Hamas.

Moving

Yosef Chaim-Ohana reunites with his father after 2 years

Avi Ohana says Shema upon embracing his son after Yosef spent two years in Hamas captivity.

After 738 days:

All living hostages are back in Israel

After 738 days, Hamas is no longer holding any living hostages; the 13 last living hostages have been handed over to the Red Cross, and the other seven are already in Israel. Some of the deceased hostages will be returned to Israel in the afternoon.

These are the 20 hostages released from Hamas captivity

The 20 hostages released Monday from Hamas captivity are Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Matan Angrest, Gali and Ziv Berman, Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Ariel Cunio, David Cunio, Avinatan Or, Bar Kupershtein, Eitan Horn, Elkana Bohbot, Evyatar David, Maxim Herkin, Matan Zangauker, Nimrod Cohen, Rom Braslvaski, Segev Kalfon, and Yosef Haim Ohana,

'You're coming home'

Watch: Hostage's mother speaks with her son for the first time

Einav Zanguaker, mother of hostage Matan, speaks with her son just prior to his release from Hamas captivity. 'The war is over, you're coming home.'

Mor family's message to the nation after Eitan's release

The family of hostage survivor Eitan Mor joyfully announce his return from Hamas captivity after two years, thanking the IDF, security forces, Israeli leadership, US support, and the people of Israel for their role in bringing Eitan home.

'It's all okay, calm down'

Watch: Hostage Elkana Bohbot speaks with mother Ruhama

After over 730 days in Hamas captivity, hostage Elkana Bohbot speaks with mother Ruhama on the phone, telling her, 'It's all okay, calm down.'

Watch: Returning hostages cross into Israeli territory

The IDF has released footage of the returning hostages' arrival in Israel. Watch.

IDF chief: 'Our mission won't end until the last hostage returns'

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is commanding Operation 'Returning Home, says it is a 'very significant day' marking progress toward key war objectives. 'Our mission will not end until the last hostage is returned.'

Government 'committed to the return of all hostages'

Government statement welcomes returning hostages home, says families have been updated.

The Netanyahus' note

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara left a personal note for every returning hostage. 'We waited for you, we embrace you.'

Watch live:

Thousands attend holiday prayers at the Western Wall

Thousands of Jews arrive at the Western Wall for festive Hoshana Rabba prayers, thanking G-d for the hostages' release. Watch.

Herzog to award Trump with Israel’s highest civilian honor

President Herzog to inform President Trump of his decision to award him the “Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor” in recognition of his efforts to bring the hostages home.

Eisenkot to Arutz Sheva:

'A difficult deal made from a place of strength'

Former MK Eisenkot at an event in memory of his son: "I see this deal as a dilemma, but it was made from the strength of Israel."

Avinatan Or’s brother:

'We’re all on the path to closure'

Moshe Or, brother of hostage Avinatan Or, shares his emotions ahead of their long-awaited reunion.

Watch:

Art of the deal (gone wrong)

As the deal to release Israeli hostages from Hamas is set to be implemented, activist Rudy Rochman warns of hidden risks in its conditions.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin:

'I don’t know how to carry all of this’

At Jerusalem rally, mother of murdered hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin shares raw grief and hope ahead of the hostage release, urging unity and compassion after 736 days of anguish.

As part of hostage deal:

Planner of kidnapping and murder of three teens to be released

Senior Hamas military wing member Mahmoud Kawasmeh to be freed under hostage deal. Ministers were told he "promoted military activities against Judea and Samaria."

IDF prepares for Hamas provocations during hostage release

Israel is preparing for Hamas provocations during the coming night and up to the actual release of the hostages from captivity.

Netanyahu:

'Tomorrow the hostages will return home, this is a historic time'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a statement to the press ahead of the return of the hostages to Israel, warning that there were still many challenges ahead.

'You got me back by life'

Captivity survivor gifts President Trump his book

Captivity survivor Eli Sharabi sent an English copy of his book 'Hostage' to US President Donald Trump, thanking him for securing his release.

Father Of Hostage:

'Back Netanyahu, don't bash him'

Danny, father of hostage Omri Miran, called for the public to stop vilifying the prime minister regarding the hostage deal.

Vance clarifies: US won’t deploy troops to Gaza

US Vice President JD Vance said reports of an American troop deployment to Gaza are false, confirming the US will only monitor the ceasefire terms while regional allies handle security.

Moving:

Hostages' families prepare room, car for sons' arrival

The families of Segev Kalfon and Yosef-Haim Ohana, abducted from the Nova music festival, shared emotional footage preparing their homes and belongings ahead of the hostages’ expected return.

Hostage coordinator:

Hostages expected to be released first thing in the morning

Hostage Coordinator Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch said Israel is ready for the release to begin Monday morning, with Red Cross convoys and hospitals on standby to receive returnees.

Watch:

'Trump' visits Hostage Square

One day before the real president touches down in Israel, the actor who plays him arrived to shoot at Hostages Square.

A reason both the War and Hostage releases fall on Sukkot

As we conclude Sukkot 5786, we daven that the hostages all return safely, and we enter Shemini Atzeret hoping to reinforce and strengthen our achdut

Kiryat Arba prepares for the return of hostage Eitan Mor

Eitan Mor, who was taken hostage on October 7th, will be released from Hamas captivity in the coming hours. Kiryat Arba prepares to welcome him with posters and prayers.

Hamas willing to immediately release 20 living hostages

Wall Street Journal reports that Hamas has announced its willingness to release the 20 living hostages on Sunday.

Hostages' daughter:

Boos directed at Netanyahu 'horrific and tactless'

Shir Siegel, daughter of freed hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel, slams Saturday night boos directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during US Envoy Steve Witkoff's speech at Hostages Square.

Captivity survivor Tal Shoham:

'Outside captivity, I rediscovered my people'

Speaking at Hostages Square, captivity survivor declares: "Our brothers and sister are close. We are one people, responsible for one another. We must not fall apart."