Swords of Iron

'Sorry my firstborn son'

IDF soldier Tamir Nimrodi laid to rest

Family members delivered emotional eulogies at the Kfar Saba Cemetery as IDF soldier Tamir Nimrodi was laid to rest following the return of his body from Gaza.

Marking 1 yr since Sinwar's elimination, IDF publishes new photo

New photo shows Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's body in rubble, as IDF commanders stand over him.

President Herzog: 'We will never forget their sacrifice'

Speaking at memorial ceremony for victims of October 7 massacre and those who fell in the war since, Israel's President Isaac Herzog reflects on the resilience and sacrifice of Israel's fallen soldiers and bereaved families, honoring their courage and sacrifice.

Former missing persons envoy:

'When we don't pressure Hamas, they do what they want'

Colonel (Res.) Lior Lotan, former Special Envoy on Hostages and Missing Persons in the Prime Minister's Office, responds to Hamas' repeated violations of the hostage deal, says 'war is not over.'

Live from Mount Herzl:

Memorial ceremony for those who fell in the war against Hamas

Memorial ceremony for those who fell in the 'Swords of Iron' war against Hamas in Gaza begins at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, attended by Israel's heads of state and the heads of the security establishment.

France: Hamas cannot rule or secure Gaza after the war

France, US, working with other countries to create international force to rebuild, and secure Gaza after the war.

Trump:

Israel could return to fighting in Gaza if Hamas violates deal

President Trump tells CNN Israel could return to Gaza 'as soon as I say the word' if Hamas fails to meet ceasefire terms, including full hostage return.

Just two days after release

Released hostage Matan Angrest attends commander's funeral

Two days after being released from Hamas captivity, Matan Angrest arrived to pay respects to his commander, Captain Daniel Perez, whose body was returned on the same day that he was.

'Rest now, my sweet one':

Father bids final farewell to Guy Illouz

In a funeral filled with grief and remembrance, Michel Illouz delivered a stirring eulogy for his son Guy, whose optimism and gentle soul were extinguished in Hamas captivity.

'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.

Soldier dances in yeshiva with plush Torah scroll found in Gaza

Yonatan Buzgalo, a student at the Karnei Shomron hesder yeshiva and an IDF soldier, returns to yeshiva bearing a plush Torah scroll found in Gaza.

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.'

Emergency Knesset session: 'Enemy is arming itself from within'

Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee holds urgent meeting following rise in weapons-smuggling from Egypt, MK Tzvi Succot warns of 'existential threat.'

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.

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.'

Chief of Staff approves: Zikim Beach to be reopened after 2 years

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir approves re-opening of Zikim Beach in southern Israel, beginning Thursday.

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.

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.'

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.'

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.

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,

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.'

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.

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.

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.

Hamas spokesman says returning deceased hostages is 'complex'

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

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.

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.'

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.