Swords of Iron

'How good is G-d!'

Moving 'havdalah' ceremony with returned hostages

Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, and Omer Wenkert attend 'havdalah' ceremony marking the conclusion of Shabbat at Beilinson Hospital. Watch.

'Thank you to everyone who prayed': Yarden Bibas' moving post

One day after his wife Shiri's remains were returned to Israel, Yarden Bibas thanks those who supported and cared for his family.

Netanyahu on Bibas murders: 'We shall neither forgive nor forget'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says heart 'bursts with excitement' at return of six living hostages from Hamas captivity, Israel will 'neither forgive nor forget' brutal murders of Shiri Bibas and her young sons Ariel and Kfir.

Dr. Chen Kugel:

'We have witnessed unimaginable depths of cruelty and evil'

Dr. Chen Kugel, head of the Abu Kabir forensic institute, says there is 'no evidence' that Shiri Bibas was killed in a bombing, proving Hamas' earlier claims were lies.

Due to Bibas family's murder:

Israel delays release of 602 terrorists

Israel announces that it will delay the 602 terrorists due to be released in exchange for six living hostages; terrorists' families informed that the release will take place around 8:00 p.m.

Watch:

After over a decade, Avera Mengistu reunites with his family

Avera Mengistu, held captive in Gaza since September 2014, reunites with his family at the initial reception point in Israel and at Ichilov Hospital.

With praise to G-d:

Moving: Omer Wenkert reunites with his parents in Israel

Omer Wenkert meets his parents Niva and Shai at the initial reception point in Israel. Watch.

'That's it, don't cry anymore'

Eliya Cohen's moving reunion with his parents

Watch Eliya Cohen's moving reunion with his parents, Sigalit and Maimon, and his partner Ziv.

Omer Shem Tov returns to his family:

'That's it, we're together, it's over'

Watch Omer Shem Tov's emotional meeting with his family, as they reunite at Beilinson Hospital.

Shiri Bibas was murdered in captivity

Shiri Bibas was murdered in the first weeks of the war, together with her children Kfir and Ariel. 'She was beloved by everyone who knew her, but above all, she was a dedicated mother.'

After 505 days in captivity:

Omer, Eliya, Omer, Avera, Tal, and Hisham are back in Israel

Hisham al-Sayed, Omer Wenkert, Eliya Cohen, Avera Mengistu, Tal Shoham, and Omer Shem Tov are back in Israel after being released from Hamas captivity.

ZOA: 'Hell needs to rain down' on Hamas after Bibas family murder

Zionist Organization of America responds to murders of Bibas family, says, 'Hell needs to rain down on Hamas and PIJ, until they are destroyed and can never, never, ever harm another Jewish or other soul.'

Prime Minister's Office:

Israel received list of hostages to be freed Saturday

Earlier this week, reports said that six hostages were to be freed Saturday as part of the deal with Hamas: Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, Omer Wenkert, Hisham al-Sayed, and Avera Mengistu.

Netanyahu on Bibas murders: Today is a day of indescribable pain

'I vow that I will not rest until the savages who executed our hostages are brought to justice,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promises.

Hamas confirms it did not give Israel Shiri Bibas' body

'Remains were mixed with other bodies due to IDF airstrikes,' Hamas terror group claims.

Agam found Rabbi Druckman's book in Gaza

After she read Rabbi Haim Druckman's book, Agam Berger understood that she was permitted to eat non-kosher meat if it is a matter of life and death.

Widow of fallen soldier announces engagement

Meitar Eliyahu, widow of Sergeant First Class (res.) Yedidya Eliyahu, who fell in battle in Gaza, announces that she is engaged to Baruch Tzuri Noked of Hebron.

Sharren Haskel:

Switching Shiri's body is a crime against humanity

Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel responds to Hamas' presentation of an anonymous body as that of Shiri Bibas, says Hamas is 'a death cult that needs to be eradicated from the face of the Earth.'

US envoy:

Hamas can return everyone - or face 'total annihilation'

United States Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler responds harshly to Hamas' decision to return an anonymous body instead of that of hostages Shiri Bibas, warns, 'they're going to face total annihilation right now' if they don't release hostages.

Herzog on American TV:

'What brings somebody to kidnap two toddlers in their pajamas?'

President Isaac Herzog spoke to international US-based media outlets, CNN and MSNBC, and highlighted the terrible cruelty Israel faces in its battle with Hamas terrorists.

After Gaza celebrations:

Lindsey Graham calls for 'annihilation' of Hamas

US Senator Lindsey Graham described the people of Gaza as 'the most radicalized on the planet' and called for phase two of the ceasefire deal to include the expulsion of Hamas from Gaza.

Forensic Institute:

Oded Lifshitz murdered over a year ago

The National Institute of Forensic Medicine identified the body of Oded Lifshitz and found that he was murdered over a year ago in Islamic Jihad captivity.

Russian media echoes Hamas propaganda

Russian state-controlled RT uploaded posts blaming Netanyahu for the deaths of the hostages, calling Hamas terrorists 'resistance fighters.' Israeli Ambassador: 'RT demonstrated not only a lack of professionalism but also antisemitism and pure malice.'

Minister Sa'ar to Con. of Presidents:

'Surrendering to Hamas's dictates is not an option'

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar met with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and affirmed that Israel is determined to achieve all the objectives of the war.

Released hostage Iair Horn discharged from hospital

Iair Horn, who was released from Hamas captivity last Saturday, was discharged from Ichilov Medical Center after completing all required examinations.

'O God, do not be silent'

The Psalm read over the caskets of the deceased hostages

Considered an national elegy over the invasion of Israel by its neighbors, Chief Rabbi of the IDF, Brigadier General Eyal Krim read Psalm 83.

Coffins of four deceased hostages arrive at forensic institute

The coffins of Shiri Bibas and her sons Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz, have crossed the border into Israel and arrived at the Abu Kabir forensic institute.

UN wakes up late:

Hamas ceremony 'abhorrent, flies in face of international law'

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the manner in which the deceased hostages were transferred to the Red Cross.

'Evil we have not witnessed'

Actor Michael Rapaport slams Hamas ceremony

Jewish actor Michael Rapaport slams Hamas 'release ceremony' held ahead of return of deceased hostages to Israel. 'The show being put on in Gaza is evil we have not witnessed in the modern era.'

Journalist shares:

'We dug with bare hands under fire to locate bodies of hostages'

Journalist Amir Ettinger, who served in the reserves in Gaza, reveals troops' extreme efforts to locate bodies of hostages: 'We dug for hours in the ruins, under fire, trying to find even a small remnant.'

To the sound of Hatikva:

Remains of four deceased hostages arrive at forensic institute

The four coffins were wrapped in Israeli flags by IDF soldiers and brought into Israel; IDF Chief Rabbi Eyal Karim reads Psalms during military ceremony in Gaza.

Communications Min.:

Justice Minister promised A-G would be fired within weeks

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi says he was promised that Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara will soon be fired, last hostages may need to be brought back using military force.

Watch: Mourning together at Hostages Square

Crowd gathers at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, waving Israeli flags and some wearing orange hats or shirts, in solidarity with the Bibas family.

Innocents in Gaza?

Children and infants attend Hamas 'ceremony' for hostage release

Hundreds of Gazan civilians, including infants and children, attend Hamas cynical 'release ceremony' showing off bodies of four killed hostages.

Ari Fuld's brother:

We're happy hostages are returning, pained at terrorists' release

Eitan Fuld, brother of terror victim Ari Fuld who was murdered in Gush Etzion, shares his family's reaction to the news that Ari's murderer will be released in the Hamas deal.

Hamas to return bodies of Shiri Bibas, her sons and Oded Lifshitz

Handover of Shiri Bibas, her young sons Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz, to begin at approximately 8:00 a.m.

Gaza smuggling attempt

IAF downs drone, attacks suspects who collected it

IDF says a drone was identified crossing from Israeli territory into southern Gaza during an attempt to smuggle into the Gaza Strip. IAF aircraft struck the drone and several suspects who collected it in the southern Gaza Strip.

The first time since his injury

Idan Amedi returns to the stage

Idan Amedi opens his Jerusalem show with the "Shehecheyanu" blessing. Audience cheers and responds with "Amen."

Due to hostages' return:

IDF Chief of Staff ends US visit early

During his official visit, Halevi held a series of meetings with senior officials in the United States Armed Forces.

While hostages suffer

Photos: Gaza's market returns to full operation

The market in Gaza City's "Palestine Square" returned to full operation with stalls full of fruits, vegetables, snacks, meat, and various housewares.

Kaddish and Psalms in Gaza:

IDF prepares to receive deceased hostages from Hamas

The IDF will receive the bodies of four slain hostages in the Gaza Strip with a full military ceremony.

Haredi minister to Keith Siegel:

I will continue to support every deal

Construction and Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf meets release hostage Keith Siegel at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, says his thoughts are always with the hostages still in Gaza. 'Your descriptions support what we knew - this is a matter of life-and-death, and about saving lives.'

'I'm ok'

Hostage Nimrod Cohen sent a message to his parents

Yehuda Cohen says his son sent him a message with two hostages who were recently released.

Hamas moved up the release?

'New level of absurdity and reverberating propaganda'

Source in Prime Minister's Office says Hamas agreement to release six living hostages on Saturday stems from decision to make changes to negotiating team.

Jewish blood on their hands:

Ari Fuld's murderer to be released

Nael Barghouti, who murdered Mordechai Yekuel in 1978, and Abu Ghanem, convicted of murders of Haim Haviv, Alon Govberg, and Richard Lakin, in 2015, among terrorists to be released in hostage deal.

'Horrific news'

Chris Kenny tears up while reporting on Bibas family hostages

Sky News host Chris Kenny fights tears as he reports on Hamas' announcement that the bodies of Shiri Bibas and young sons Ariel and Kfir will be returned on Thursday.

Romi Gonen shares: Thankful for chance to live my life anew

Romi Gonen, released last month from Hamas captivity, gives thanks for her release and a second chance at life. 'Thankful for the merit of living this life anew, with an appreciation for every little thing.'

500 days in Hamas captivity:

Crowds pray for hostages at national event in Washington, DC

Attendees at national prayer event in Washington, DC give standing ovation as released hostage Noa Argamani calls: 'We have to continue to the second stage and make sure all our loved ones come back.'

Released hostage reveals:

'My brother and I were held together until the last day'

'The only thing I need is for you to bring my brother back,' says released hostage Iair Horn, who was held with his brother Eitan in a Hamas tunnel until his release.

Senator Lindsey Graham:

'Destroy Hamas, as we destroyed the Germans and Japanese'

Senator Lindsey Graham spoke about the possible failure of negotiations and said, 'There is no future for the Palestinians until Hamas is gone.'

Khamenei congratulates Islamic Jihad for 'victory in Gaza'

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei meets Islamic Jihad leader Ziad Nakhaleh in Tehran to celebrate the terrorists' "victory" over Israel.

Hostage's partner notified he will be released on Saturday

Hostage Eliya Cohen's partner, Ziv, announces she received notification he will be released on Saturday.

Minister Sa'ar:

'PA continues its deception; Turkey working to rebuild Hezbollah'

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar warned the international press that based on statements by the PA and intelligence, payments to families of terrorists proceed as always.

Hamas to release 6 living & 4 deceased hostages by Saturday

Khalil al-Haya confirmed that the group has decided to release four bodies on Thursday and to release six hostages on Saturday, in return for the release of the Palestinian prisoners.

Israel's offer to Hamas

Heavy vehicles in return for 6 living hostages by Saturday

A senior Israeli official said that Israel would allow heavy vehicles to enter Gaza for the removal of rubble if Hamas would release six living hostages by Saturday.

'A fifth column in our midst'

Knesset member compares Gazans' voluntary relocation to Holocaust

MK Almog Cohen announced that he is seeking the ouster of MK Ofir Cassif who posted a photo of Jews in line to be deported from Nazi Germany and compared it to the voluntary relocation of Gazans.

Egypt's alternative plan for the Gaza Strip

Egypt's proposal to counter President Trump's plan would see Gazans temporarily relocated to 'secure areas' in Gaza and the creation of a 'Palestinian administration,' unaligned with Hamas or the PA.

In an Israeli hospital:

Nukhba terrorist received the desired test - within hours

A Nukhba terrorist, who complained of headaches and dizziness, transferred to Kaplan Hospital in Rehovot, where he underwent a head CT scan and an MRI within hours.

Minister Eli Cohen:

My hand will be cut off before I sit with Mansour Abbas

Energy Minister Eli Cohen says he won't enter coalition with Ra'am party in the future, Israel should disconnect Gaza's electricity and end humanitarian aid if hostages aren't released in deal's second stage.

Ohad Ben-Ami to Pres. Herzog:

'We were six people in six meters, 30 meters underground'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog meets freed hostage Ohad Ben-Ami, marking 500 days since the October 7 massacre. 'We have brothers and sisters still there in Gaza, and we want every last one of them home as soon as possible.'