Swords of Iron

'Blood libel'

UN continues to make accusations against Israel

A new UN report accuses Israel of war crimes including 'destroying in part the reproductive capacity of the Palestinians in Gaza.'

'Thank God, I'm here:'

Released hostage's song of praise for being freed

Singers David D'or and Guy Feld hosted released hostage Ohad Ben-Ami to talk about the power of faith that helped him survive in a new and moving song.

$10 Million:

Hamas' social media star stole money raised for a hospital

Salah Al-Jaafari, a social media star from the Gaza Strip who supports Hamas, is suspected of pocketing donations raised for a Gazan hospital.

Father of Hostage:

Return to fighting in Gaza without endangering soldiers

Tzvika Mor, father of hostage Eitan, tells Arutz Sheva about the sign of life he received from his son and calls for resuming the war.

State reveals:

Over 20,000 humanitarian aid trucks entered Gaza during ceasefire

In its response to a petition regarding the cessation of aid to Gaza, the State demands that the Supreme Court not intervene, arguing that this is a security decision subject to the discretion of the executive branch.

Gabbard reconsiders appointment of critic of Israel’s war in Gaza

New York Times report: Tulsi Gabbard, US director of national intelligence, decided against appointing Daniel Davis, a critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, to key position after backlash from within Trump's coalition.

Qatar

White House Envoy, Arab officials discuss Gaza reconstruction

The Arab ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and investing an effort to reach a just peace based on the two-state solution to ensure the realization of the Palestinian aspiration for freedom and independence.

Using drones

Hamas warns: Israel planting surveillance devices around Gaza

Hamas's Internal Security Force called on Gazans to be on high alert after it found what it called 'camouflaged surveillance devices' in several locations in the Gaza Strip

Family of hostage Avinatan Or receives first sign of life

Hostages who returned said that Or his being held in harsh conditions in one of the "refugee" camps in central Gaza.

Backtrack or clarification?

Trump: 'Nobody's expelling any Palestinians'

During a meeting with the Prime Minister of Ireland, President Donald Trump was asked about his plan for the Gaza Strip, and insisted that no one will 'expel' Palestinian Arabs.

'Mission #1 - destroy Hamas'

MG Yaniv Asor assumes command of Southern Command

MG Yaniv Asor took over for MG Yaron Finkelman as commander of the Southern Command during a ceremony in the Gaza Strip.

State Comptroller's office:

Former Chief of Staff blocked 7/10 investigation

Ishai Vaknin, Director General of the State Comptroller's Office, says outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi 'had a desire to do everything so that we would not investigate the heart of the failure' which led to the October 7 massacre.

Hamas sends four-year-old boy to approach IDF troops

IDF forces identify four-year-old Gazan approaching military post in Gaza security zone, return child safely to Gaza.

IDF compiles list of targets in Judea, Samaria

IDF working with Judea, Samaria, towns to create bank of targets in case of October 7-like infiltration into Jewish towns.

Eliya Cohen gives thanks:

'Your prayers were felt in the tunnels, they protected me'

Grandfather of former hostage Eliya Cohen holds thanksgiving meal honoring his release from Hamas captivity. 'Down there, we feel every prayer.'

Swords of Iron:

Min. of Health appoints teams to assess functioning during war

Ministry of Health appoints professional teams to assess medical response, evacuation of casualties, mental health, and general operations during the war.

Smotrich attacks:

'The Left is to blame for all of Israel's disasters'

Just before approving the state budget and dealing with the draft law, Smotrich confronts journalist Ben Caspit and accuses the Left of sowing the seeds for October 7th massacre.

Symbol of the massacre

Kibbutz Be'eri clinic demolished

The site of the Kibbutz Be'eri clinic, where three local security response team members and two medical team members were killed on October 7th, 2023, will become an education center.

Eli Sharabi told hostage's father:

Alon said that he wants to make Kiddush when he returns

Kobi, the father of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel, spoke about the message his son sent through released hostage Eli Sharabi

A look into the lives of the IDF's elite combat photographers

American journalist Nate Friedman spoke with IDF combat photographers who run onto the battlefield armed with a camera so they can share the reality of the war with the world.

Hamas to mediators:

'Pressure Israel to withdraw from Philadelphi Corridor'

In a statement, Hamas stresses that commitment to the agreement and the completion of negotiations are the only way to secure the return of the hostages.

Chief of Staff to commanders: Prepare for battle and war

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir meets senior IDF commanders, says the war is not over and they should be prepared for combat.

Brother of hostage:

'Just one MK came to comfort my family'

During a discussion in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Danny Elgarat revealed that only a single MK from the coalition offered condolences after his brother's body was returned.

'On high alert year-round'

Chief of Staff cancels IDF leaves

Newly-appointed IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir announces dramatic move after investigations show Hamas took advantage of IDF leaves that resulted in fewer available personnel on October 7.

IDF attacks Hamas forces suspected of violating ceasefire

The IDF shot and bombed several Hamas terrorists suspected of violating the ceasefire in northern Gaza.

Bereaved father accuses:

'Both Right and Left not fighting for victory'

Bereaved families from Forum Hagvura demand from Knesset members to eliminate Hamas, 'Have we forgotten our soldiers and the goals of this war?'

Pita with yellow ribbon:

Hostage families' Purim gifts to MKs

Hostage families give Knesset members a pita wrapped in a yellow ribbon with a message from a released hostage. Hostage Nimrod Cohen's family confronted Minister Chikli.

Electric Corp. Chairman:

'No electricity supply from Israel to Gaza'

Doron Arbely, chairman of the Israel Electric Corporation, explained Energy Minister Eli Cohen's directive: 'Power line supplying electricity from Israel to desalination plant in Gaza was cut off.'

Smotrich claims:

Former Chief of Staff hid info from Security Cabinet

According to the Minister of Finance, former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi would silence dissenting opinions and did not speak to his own deputy and the head of the Personnel Directorate for months.

Israel and US agree:

Talks with Hamas to be fully coordinated between the countries

Prime Minister Netanyahu and his staff told the cabinet that they had spoken to the Trump administration about the direct talks between Envoy Boehler and Hamas and agreed that they would be fully coordinated.

In first working meeting:

Zamir and Netanyahu discuss return to war

The new IDF Chief of Staff ordered the Southern Command commanding officer to make changes to the attack plan so that the next ground maneuver would be more effective.

Agam Berger celebrates release with prayers and Challah ceremony

Released hostage Agam Berger held a special thanksgiving ceremony at a Tel Aviv synagogue this weekend, including the ceremonial taking of Challah and a prayer for the remaining hostages.

Defense establishment admits:

We did not properly estimate where the hostages were

After questioning several hostages who returned from captivity, the defense establishment understood that it did not properly estimate the locations where some hostages were being held.

Dr. Mordechai Kedar:

'Trump's plan doesn't end with Gaza'

Middle East expert Dr. Mordechai Kedar says that the plan for Gaza starts in India and ends in Europe and the USA in a proposed 'peace corridor.'

For the first time:

Emily Damari and Romi Gonen visit Hostages Square

The two survivors of Hamas captivity left their hospital beds in the rehabilitation department and traveled to the square in Tel Aviv. 'One square with so much strength, emotion, hope, and prayers.'

Adam Boehler:

'Hamas interested in disarming, not threatening Israel'

Special envoy for the hostage negotiations Adam Boehler claimed that Hamas is interested in ending the conflict in favor of a US-supervised truce.

Israel to stop supplying Gaza with electricity

Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Eli Cohen ordered the Electric Company to stop selling electricity to Gaza.

Released hostage shares a miracle from his time in Gaza

Omer Shem-Tov gives the miraculous story of how he said the Shabbat Kiddush for five months from a seemingly endless bottle of grape juice.

The only IDF unit not investigated

Almost all IDF units were investigated following the 10/7 massacre, except COGAT, the unit that shaped Israel's policy in Gaza.

Hamas:

'The next released prisoners will free Jerusalem'

Zaher Jabareen, head of Hamas in Judea and Samaria, stated that 'We will not rest until the last prisoner goes home with his head high.'

Report: Hamas agrees to extend first stage of ceasefire deal

Al Hadath reports Hamas agreed to US initiative to extend first stage of ceasefire deal in exchange for the release of several living hostages; Hamas denies report.

Netanyahu's office:

Israeli delegation to leave for negotiations in Qatar

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirms Israeli delegation to leave for Qatar on Monday to negotiate advance negotiations to free hostages.

US advancing:

Initiative to release hostages - without Israel's involvement

US holding negotiations with Hamas to extend ceasefire in exchange for release of some hostages. Israeli source: 'Negotiations are being held above our heads.'

Mother of hostage:

'It's like I had a new daughter'

Shira Albag, mother of released hostage Liri, shares her experiences reconnecting with her daughter.

In Arabic:

Captivity survivor's message to hostages still in Gaza

Released hostage Karina Ariev sends Arabic-language message to hostages still held captive by Hamas, quoting from Isaiah.

Eliya Cohen to bereaved families: We are here because of you

Eliya Cohen, freed from Hamas captivity, thanks bereaved families for their sacrifice, says hostages were released because of them.

Trump Shocked:

'Wasn't anyone there kind? The hostages said no'

President Trump expressed his shock at the treatment of the hostages during an Oval Office press conference.

Progress on talks for deal's second stage? Israel denies it

Hamas claims progress on negotiations for second stage of deal, Israeli source clarifies: 'Not familiar with progress on talks at this stage.'

New York Times:

41 hostages died in captivity so far

A report reveals that 41 out of the hostages taken by Hamas died in captivity, some executed by Hamas, some mistakenly killed by Israel, and others whose cause of death is unclear.

The plan for restarting fighting in Gaza

Wall Street Journal reports that Israel is in a better condition to re-enter Gaza than it was at the start of the war.

Houthi leader issues ultimatum to Israel over Gaza aid blockade

Leader of Yemen's Houthi rebels says his group will resume attacks against Israel if the blockade preventing aid from reaching Gaza is not lifted within four days.

Captivity survivor:

'I hope there will be a grave to visit on Memorial Day'

Noga Weiss, kidnapped to Gaza during the October 7 massacre and released from Hamas captivity in a November 2023 deal, says she cannot find closure until Hamas releases her father's body for burial. 'I haven't yet said goodbye.'

Chief of Staff calls surprise exercise in Gaza

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir arrives in Gaza, calls surprise exercise. 'We must be ready for any scenario, it's not a question of 'if,' but of 'when' such an attack will happen.'

Report:

Netanyahu was not aware of US-Hamas talks

Washington Post report claims Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not informed ahead of time that the US and Hamas were holding direct talks, and expressed surprise when informed of the matter.

'With G-d's help we will succeed'

Released hostage Daniella Gilboa's message of unity

Survivor of Hamas captivity Daniella Gilboa published a video of her singing the song 'I'm Coming Home' and sent a message to the people of Israel: 'The most important thing is to be united.'

Chief of Staff to troops:

'Always be ready and alert, you are our stop line'

IDF Chief of Staff LTG Eyal Zamir met with the soldiers of the Netzah Yehuda Battalion and conducted training exercises with them in the field.

Minister Katz's unusual order:

Use protest flotillas to evacuate Gazans

Minister of Defense Israel Katz ordered the IDF to swap protesters who arrive at Gaza's shores on protest flotillas with residents who wish to leave the Gaza Strip.

'You are a national hero'

President Herzog meets with released hostage Tal Shoham

President Herzog visited the home of former hostage Tal Shoham. 'All of Israel is moved to see you.'

IDF Chief of Staff:

'We must defeat Hamas, we are preparing to return to battle'

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir met with local leaders in the Gaza envelope and pledged: 'The hostages are our top priority.'

Released hostages hold meeting with PM Netanyahu and wife Sara

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara meet released hostages Tal and Adi Shoham, listening to their experiences, offering support, and promising to do everything to free remaining hostages.