Swords of Iron

IDF confirms:

Body of Thai farmhand Sontaya Ukkharsri returned to Israel

The second body returned on Saturday night was identified as that of Thai citizen Sontaya Ukkharsri, who was murdered in the fields of Be'eri on October 7th, 2023.

Keith Siegel:

Matan Angrest and I were held in a small, dark room

Keith Siegel looks back at his time in captivity with newly released hostage Matan Angrest. 'We kept each other strong, we laughed together.'

Bodies of two hostages returned

Kibbutz Nir Oz announces: Body of Ronen Engel returned

Hamas transfers bodies of two hostages to the IDF via the Red Cross. One is confirmed to be Ronen Engel of Kibbutz Nir Oz, killed defending his family during the October 7 terror attack.

Hamas threatens to delay deceased hostages' return

'Closing Rafah Crossing will delay transfer of additional deceased hostages,' Hamas threatens.

Fallen soldier's sister: 'This is the last battle'

Ayelet Goldin, sister of fallen IDF soldier Hadar Goldin, whose body has been held in Gaza since 2014, says she is 'terrified of the day they'll say, 'We did everything.''

Together again:

Omer and Tal meet their newly-released friends

Hamas captivity survivors Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David reunite in Beilinson Hospital with friends Tal Shoham and Omer Wenkert, who were released earlier this year from Hamas captivity. Watch.

IDF thwarts weapons smuggling on Mount Hermon

IDF troops thwart weapons smuggling in Hermon summit area.

Two IDF soldiers injured by explosive device in Samaria

IDF soldiers operating in Tubas area in Samaria suffer moderate injuries after terrorist hurls explosive device at them.

Alon Ohel plays the piano again

Instagram account 'Alon is home' publishes photo of Hamas captivity survivor Alon Ohel playing on a piano brought to the hospital especially for him.

Body of Eliyahu Margalit returned to Israel

Eliyahu Margalit, 75, was murdered during the October 7 massacre in Kibbutz Nir Oz and his body was kidnapped to Gaza.

Cabinet to vote on renaming the war to 'War of Rebirth'

Israel’s cabinet will vote Sunday on renaming the war from “Swords of Iron” to “War of Rebirth,” a title Netanyahu has promoted for over a year, citing its symbolic and strategic significance.

After Hamas violates deal:

Israeli activists block aid trucks to Gaza

Activists from 'Tzav 9' block humanitarian aid trucks to Gaza, demanding return of all deceased hostages before deal with Hamas continues.

'He was an amazing father'

Maya's been wearing her father's dog tag since he fell in battle

Maya, daughter of warrant officer (res.) Sebastian Haion, who fell in battle in Gaza, speaks to Arutz Sheva about her father, 'Do not forget the contribution of the fallen soldiers.'

Regulator: BBC committed 'serious breach' with Gaza documentary

Failure to disclose Hamas leader's ties to Gaza documentary robbed viewers of critical information, British regular Ofcom says.

End to wars?

Tommy Robinson's message to President Trump

Following US President Donald Trump's declaration of a new era of peace and claims that wars are behind us, British activist Tommy Robinson clarifies that Jew-hatred still abounds, jihadists surround us everywhere.

After 2 years in captivity:

Hamas captivity survivor requests to return to IDF service

Former hostage Matan Angrest, who was released from Hamas captivity earlier this week, asks IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to allow him to return to operational activity.

Father of slain hostage reveals son's heroic act during abduction

Father of slain hostage IDF soldier Tamir Nimrodi shares how his son revealed great resourcefulness, remaining calm and attempting to save his life during his kidnapping.

'Positive development': Moody's responds to hostage deal

Moody's calls Hamas agreement a 'positive' step for Israel’s credit rating, but warns of risks of next stages.

Israel to physically mark 'yellow line' in Gaza

Defense Minister Israel Katz says IDF will mark boundaries between Israeli- and Hamas-controlled areas of Gaza. 'Forces will fire on anyone crossing the boundary.'

Tommy Robinson to Arutz Sheva: 'If Israel falls, we all fall'

During an exclusive Arutz Sheva interview in Jerusalem, British activist Tommy Robinson voiced strong solidarity with Israel, warning of jihad threats and global misinformation, and answered critics in the British Jewish community.

Chief of Staff to 10/7 heroes

'You are the generation of victory'

The IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, spoke with soldiers and commanders who fought in the battles on October 7 and told them, "From the brokenness and loss, your stories of heroism emerged, inspiring stories that prove there is hope. You are the generation of victory."

Next to wads of cash:

New footage of post-elimination Yahya Sinwar

One year later, IDF released footage showing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar after his elimination in Rafah by Bislah Brigade troops.

Will the Oct. 7th terrorists be put to death?

Justice Minister Yariv Levin and MKs Simcha Rothman and Yulia Malinovsky will advance a bill to accelerate trials of Nukhba terrorists behind the October 7th Massacre.

'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.