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Swords of Iron

Swords of Iron

News and updates about Swords of Iron

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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.

Thousands attend holiday prayers at the Western Wall

Senior defense official:

Hamas was not defeated, but was weakened'

According to the official, the agreement makes it possible to secure the return of the hostages while exploring a gradual dismantling of Hamas.

Hamas was not defeated, but was weakened'

Confirmed: Hamas influencer found shot in Gaza

Saleh al-Jafarawi, known for pro-Hamas videos and accused of corruption, was found shot in the head in Gaza, reportedly by anti-Hamas clan.

Confirmed: Hamas influencer found shot in Gaza

IDF Chief:

Israel has defeated Hamas after two years of war

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced Israel’s victory over Hamas after two years of war, calling it an existential triumph and pledging lasting security for Israel.

Israel has defeated Hamas after two years of war

Outrage:

New restaurant in Gaza named 'Nova'

Footage shows the new beachside restaurant in Khan Yunis that shares a name with the festival where Hamas terrorists murdered 378.

New restaurant in Gaza named 'Nova'

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.

Hostages' families prepare room, car for sons' arrival

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.

Hostages expected to be released first thing in the morning

Watch:

IDF troops operate on new ceasefire lines in Gaza

The IDF reported that troops continue operating in the area to remove any immediate threat to the soldiers.

IDF troops operate on new ceasefire lines in Gaza

Yair Netanyahu: Protesters are funded by Qatar

Yair Netanyahu, son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, says protesters who booed during US Envoy Steve Witkoff's speech were funded by Qatar and other foreign agents.

Yair Netanyahu: Protesters are funded by Qatar

Hamas Guidelines:

Reach villages and IDF bases in less than 15 minutes

A document containing guidelines for 10/7 massacre, seized by IDF forces, shows Hamas leader's plan to mislead intelligence, quickly infiltrate Israeli territory, and carry out an exceptionally brutal massacre.

Reach villages and IDF bases in less than 15 minutes

Hostage release:

Hamas deploys forces across Gaza

Footage shows Hamas militants patrolling streets in Gaza and engineering crews clearing rubble as IDF forces withdraw.

Hamas deploys forces across Gaza

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.

Hamas willing to immediately release 20 living hostages

Gazan doctor: 'We are completely defeated'

Gaza physician Dr. Az al-Din Shahab posts personal testimony, stressing that he and his family 'lost everything' and blasting Hamas for their false narrative and sacrifice of Gazan civilians. 'We were not soldiers in a war.'

Gazan doctor: 'We are completely defeated'

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.

Boos directed at Netanyahu 'horrific and tactless'

7th Armored Brigade commander:

Our mission is not over, we continue to ensure Israel's eternity

'We will continue to ensure the eternity of Israel,' says 7th Armored Brigade commander, on completion of redeployment as part of the cessation of fighting,

Our mission is not over, we continue to ensure Israel's eternity

Iranian newspaper against Hamas:

'October 7th attack is a tragedy for the Muslim world'

Iranian newspaper affiliated with Ayatollahs' regime attacks Hamas: 'Massacre caused enormous destruction and tens of thousands of deaths. This is a lose-lose situation, especially for the Muslim world.'

'October 7th attack is a tragedy for the Muslim world'

Defense Minister:

IDF will destroy Hamas' tunnels after hostages' return

Defense Minister Israel Katz says 'greatest challenge' is destroying terror tunnels in Gaza, IDF to destroy Hamas' tunnels after hostages return to Israel.

IDF will destroy Hamas' tunnels after hostages' return

Palestinian Authority official takes aim at Hamas

Palestinian Authority official charged with 'national security' harshly criticizes Hamas leadership for bringing 'destruction and ruin' to Gaza.

Palestinian Authority official takes aim at Hamas

IDF commando brigade concludes Gaza operations

At a ceremony marking the end of the Commando Brigade’s mission in Gaza, IDF's 98th Division commander BG Guy Levy vows forces will remain on alert 'until all our hostages return,' praises troops’ resilience.

IDF commando brigade concludes Gaza operations

Hamas spokesman says returning deceased hostages is 'complex'

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem blames Israel for 'very great complexities' in returning bodies of deceased hostages.

Hamas spokesman says returning deceased hostages is 'complex'

Watch:

Embarrassing boos during Witkoff's speech

US Envoy Steve Witkoff speaks at Hostages Square Rally, but is interrputed and booed when he attempts to thank Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Watch.

Embarrassing boos during Witkoff's speech

Ivanka: 'Trump wants you to know that he stands with you, always'

Ahead of hostages' return, Ivanka Trump speaks at Hostages Square rally, sharing messages of faith and hope. 'This is a triumph of faith, courage, and of a shared humanity.'

Ivanka: 'Trump wants you to know that he stands with you, always'

Master Sergeant (Res.) Shmuel Gad Rahamim succumbs to injuries

Master Sergeant (Res.) Shmuel Gad Rahamim, injured earlier this week in combat in southern Gaza, succumbs to his wounds.

Master Sergeant (Res.) Shmuel Gad Rahamim succumbs to injuries

Hostage's mother:

Play the notes of Hatikva for Alon and the other hostages

Ahead of expected hostage release, mother of hostage Alon Ohel asks the public to play piano in his honor. 'Show Alon that you waited for him together with us.'

Play the notes of Hatikva for Alon and the other hostages

IDF chief Zamir, US officials, tour Gaza ahead of hostage return

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir tours Gaza with US Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and CENTCOM chief Brad Cooper to review ceasefire coordination and hostage return plans.

IDF chief Zamir, US officials, tour Gaza ahead of hostage return

Hamas begins to regroup

Hamas returns 7,000 security personnel to active service, in an attempt to regain control of areas evacuated by the IDF, BBC report says.

Hamas begins to regroup

These were Yahya Sinwar's instructions for the October 7 massacre

Israeli intelligence locates document instructing Hamas terrorists to harm IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians, set entire towns on fire, and document their actions, The New York Times reports.

These were Yahya Sinwar's instructions for the October 7 massacre

Hostages to be released on Monday - perhaps even Sunday

Under the agreement, living hostages will be returned first, possibly as a single group, and deceased hostages will be returned later.

Hostages to be released on Monday - perhaps even Sunday

After finalizing hostage deal:

Trump envoys Witkoff and Kushner visit Western Wall

US envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Ivanka Trump visited the Western Wall, praying with Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch for the hostages’ safe return and lasting peace in the region.

Trump envoys Witkoff and Kushner visit Western Wall

IDF Spokesman declares: Hamas has been defeated

Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin hailed the redeployment along the 'yellow line' as a milestone, praised soldiers’ bravery, recalled 914 fallen, vowed continued defense, and warned the war is not over.

IDF Spokesman declares: Hamas has been defeated

Watch:

Troops deploy on new lines while singing and dancing

As the ceasefire came into effect, troops from the Nahal Brigade took their new positions on the lines determined in President Trump's plan.

Troops deploy on new lines while singing and dancing

Watch

IDF forces begin withdrawal to Yellow Line

The IDF has begun withdrawing forces from holding points in the Gaza Strip towards the Yellow Line, as the ceasefire is set to go into effect at noon.

IDF forces begin withdrawal to Yellow Line

Palestinian Arab sources:

Palestinian Authority expects central role in Gaza

Senior Palestinian Arab officials estimate that the Palestinian Authority will play a significant role in the Gaza Strip after the war ends.

Palestinian Authority expects central role in Gaza

Cleared for publication:

SFC (Res.) Michael Mordechai Nachmani fell in Gaza

Sergeant First Class (Res.) Michael Mordechai Nachmani, aged 26, from Dimona, a soldier in the Combat Engineering 614th Battalion, fell during combat in the northern Gaza Strip. 914 soldiers have fallen since the start of the war.

SFC (Res.) Michael Mordechai Nachmani fell in Gaza

Deal moves forward:

Government approves framework for release of all hostages

Government approves framework for the release of all hostages. Ministers from Otzma Yehudit and Religious Zionist Party vote against the deal, with the exception of Minister Ofir Sofer.

Government approves framework for release of all hostages

The last elimination before the ceasefire?

At least four Hamas terrorists were killed in a strike in Gaza City, and dozens more were trapped under the rubble of the collapsed building.

The last elimination before the ceasefire?

Khalil al-Hayya

'Hamas received guarantees from US on end of war'

Hamas leader says the terror group received guarantees from America and the mediators that the hostage deal will end the war.

'Hamas received guarantees from US on end of war'

Chief of Staff Zamir in Gaza:

'Military pressure and a ground offensive achieved the deal'

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir toured the Gaza Strip with senior IDF officers, reviewed forces' readiness, and said that the deal was only possible due to the IDF.

'Military pressure and a ground offensive achieved the deal'

Bereaved father:

'Trump freed hostages? These are our sons and daughters'

Bereaved father Itzik Buntzel insisted that the credit goes not to Trump for freeing the hostages, but to the IDF.

'Trump freed hostages? These are our sons and daughters'

Iris Haim: 'Rejoice quietly, in a trembling voice'

Iris Haim, mother of kidnapped and killed hostage Yotam Haim, calls on Israeli public to rejoice with modesty and remember the fallen soldiers and the hostages who will never return to their families.

Iris Haim: 'Rejoice quietly, in a trembling voice'

Hamas official:

Deal with Israel includes end to war, senior terrorists' release

Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan says new agreement guarantees 'final cessation of the war in Gaza,' with US oversight to ensure Israel’s compliance.

Deal with Israel includes end to war, senior terrorists' release

Dr. Hagai Ben-Artzi:

We are signing off on the next massacre and kidnappings

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s brother-in-law Dr. Hagai Ben-Artzi warns against deal with Hamas, says it means 'signing approval for the next massacre with our own hands.'

We are signing off on the next massacre and kidnappings

Hostages' families:

We understand the price, Israel must prevent future kidnappings

Tikva Forum for families of hostages and fallen soldiers acknowledges Trump deal's risk to Israeli public, demands Israel prevent future kidnappings.

We understand the price, Israel must prevent future kidnappings

Hamas demanding release of major archterrorists in hostage deal

List of prisoners on Hamas' list includes Marwan Barghouti, Abdullah Barghouti, Ahmad Sa'adat, Ibrahim Hamad, Abbas al-Sayeed, and Hassan Salamah; PM's Office clarifies ceasefire has not yet taken effect.

Hamas demanding release of major archterrorists in hostage deal

Israel’s healthcare system on high alert ahead of hostage return

Hospitals, Health Ministry, preparing for the largest hostage admittance operation thus far. 'We are preparing for the worst of all and hoping for good.'

Israel’s healthcare system on high alert ahead of hostage return

Gal Gadot:

'I'm not religious, but I prayed for the hostages'

Gal Gadot shares a message of hope after a deal to free remaining hostages and end the Gaza war, calling for peace, compassion, and an end to suffering on both sides.

'I'm not religious, but I prayed for the hostages'

Amit Segal:

There will be no second stage, this is a hostage deal

Analyst Amit Segal says deal with Hamas is a first-stage deal only, does not weaken the terror group or impact what the future may hold.

There will be no second stage, this is a hostage deal

Captivity survivors to Arutz Sheva:

Keep praying until they come home

Three survivors of Hamas captivity told Arutz Sheva at Hostages Square they are hopeful yet cautious after the new Gaza deal, urging the nation to keep praying until every hostage returns.

Keep praying until they come home

Kidnapped soldier's mother:

Bring everyone home before Hamas receives anything in exchange

Leah and Simcha Goldin, parents of killed and kidnapped soldier Hadar, urge government to recover all hostages, including their son, before giving anything to Hamas. 'Until he is home, we are still at war.'

Bring everyone home before Hamas receives anything in exchange

Ahead of ceasefire:

IDF on high alert ahead of potential Hamas attacks and abductions

IDF Chief of Staff orders military to be prepared for any scenario, fearing Hamas may exploit final hours before ceasefire to carry out attacks on Israel or IDF forces.

IDF on high alert ahead of potential Hamas attacks and abductions

Herzog:

President Trump deserves Nobel Prize for Gaza hostage deal

President Isaac Herzog hailed the agreement to free hostages and end the Gaza war, thanking Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Donald Trump, whom he said deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.

President Trump deserves Nobel Prize for Gaza hostage deal

IDF to significantly withdraw from Khan Yunis in southern Gaza

Amended maps for Gaza deal include significant IDF withdrawal in Khan Yunis and southern Gaza, as per Hamas' request.

IDF to significantly withdraw from Khan Yunis in southern Gaza

Hostage's mother to Arutz Sheva:

Tears of joy haven't stopped flowing

Einav, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, tells Arutz Sheva about her feelings and excitement after Israel and Hamas agreed to a deal for his release.

Tears of joy haven't stopped flowing

Footage revealed from captivity of Nepali hostage held by Hamas

The family of Bipin Joshi, who was taken captive by Hamas on October 7, has revealed this evening a video collected as part of IDF intelligence that documents Bipin in Hamas captivity.

Footage revealed from captivity of Nepali hostage held by Hamas

Expert team to investigate Gaza accident that wounded 3 soldiers

The IDF announced the establishment of a team of experts to examine the operational accident in southern Gaza, in which three reserve soldiers from Brigade 6 were injured by a grenade explosion.

Expert team to investigate Gaza accident that wounded 3 soldiers

Report:

The Chief of Staff's mistaken command on October 7th

New inquiry reveals the IAF did not make decisions independently on October 7, failing to attack hundreds of terrorists infiltrating Israeli territory. 'No intelligence, no preparedness.'

The Chief of Staff's mistaken command on October 7th

Hostage talks

Reports of positive atmosphere in Egypt negotiations

Envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff joined talks in Egypt with Israeli, Qatari, Turkish, and Hamas representatives amid reports of optimism and progress toward a Gaza ceasefire deal.

Reports of positive atmosphere in Egypt negotiations

The Syrian media personality who joined Israel's hasbara efforts

Hayvi Bouzo, a Syrian reporter who narrowly escaped assassination in her home country, urges the international community to support Israel in its fight against Iran and its proxies. 'Israel is the only country fighting evil.'

The Syrian media personality who joined Israel's hasbara efforts

Hamas demanding Nukhba terrorists' release in ceasefire deal

Hamas demands Israel free six senior terrorists, along with Nukhba terrorists responsible for the October 7 massacre. 'Optimism growing in ceasefire talks,' senior Hamas official reports.

Hamas demanding Nukhba terrorists' release in ceasefire deal

Family of Nepali hostage to release Hamas footage of him

Family of Bipin Joshi says footage of him, which was filmed in November 2023 and recovered by the IDF, 'Gives us unwavering faith that he is alive.'

Family of Nepali hostage to release Hamas footage of him