hostages

PM’s Office:

Remains transferred to Israel not of any deceased hostages

Remains transferred to Israel by Gaza terror groups not linked to any of the deceased hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announces.

Israeli researcher reveals: This is how I was tortured in Iraq

Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Israeli researcher who spent two and a half years in captivity under a pro-Iranian militia in Iraq, speaks about the physical and psychological abuse she endured.

Hamas: Body of slain hostage handed over to Israel

Red Cross to hand over remains found in Gaza, but it is unknown if they belong to a hostage.

Israel clarifies:

Return of deceased hostage's body not expected today

Following expectation that body of deceased hostage would be returned to Israel at 5:00 p.m., mediators report transfer will not happen today.

Last Israeli hostage's mother: Don't move to stage 2 of ceasefire

Talik Gvili, mother of Ran Gvili, the only Israeli fallen hostage still held by terrorist groups in Gaza, says she asked Prime Minister Netanyahu not to proceed with the next phase of the ceasefire deal until her son is brought home.

Analyst estimates:

Secret section in deal provides Hamas significant protection

Analyst Ohad Hemo explains why Hamas agreed to release hostages, even though it was their last card left.

Deceased hostage's father:

'We pray he won't become another Ron Arad'

Itzik Gvili, father of deceased hostage Ran Gvili, says Hamas claims they do not know where his son's body is located. 'We pray he won't become another Ron Arad.'

Al Jazeera: Searches for body of hostage in Zeitoun neighborhood

Red Cross, Hamas, renew searches for body of deceased hostage in Gaza's Zeitoun neighborhood.

Prayers and kiddush helped Eliya Cohen survive Hamas captivity

Hamas captivity survivor Eliya Cohen reflects on life after Gaza captivity: 'I focus on the positive.'

After 781 days:

Body of hostage Dror Or returned to Israel for burial

The IDF has announced that the body of deceased hostage Dror Or has been returned to Israel for burial.

Al Jazeera: Body of Israeli hostage located

Body of Israeli hostage held by Islamic Jihad is located in Nuseirat, Al Jazeera reports.

Captivity survivor:

'We dug a pit for food, we lived in starvation and fear'

Hamas captivity survivor Segev Kalfon tells of the relentless fear, even after his release from captivity, and the moving moments after his return to Israel.

Cairo:

Top Hamas officials discuss efforts to locate hostages' bodies

Senior Hamas delegation in Cairo to discuss Gaza escalation, ceasefire terms.

Family releases footage of deceased hostage

The family of Meny and Ayelet Godard, killed during Hamas captivity and during the October 7 massacre, releases footage of the couple in their safe room during a 2021 Gaza operation. 'It's not over 'till it's over.'

Body of hostage Meny Godard returned to Israel

Israel receives, via the Red Cross, the coffin of a deceased hostage, identified as Meny Godard from Kibbutz Be'eri.

Arab source:

Islamic Jihad holding half of remaining hostages' bodies

Palestinian Arab source says Hamas faces difficulties returning all four deceased hostages' bodies, assesses Islamic Jihad may soon capitulate.

Hadar's Comrade:

'Until Hadar is back, Operation Protective Edge is not over'

Elhai Refua, a close friend of Hadar Goldin, describes the moment he learned of Hadar's abduction during Operation Protective Edge in an interview with Arutz Sheva.

After Hamas video release:

Uncertainty surrounds return of Lt. Hadar Goldin’s body

Hours after Hamas claimed to have located the body of killed and kidnapped IDF officer Lt. Hadar Goldin in Rafah, the terrorist organization announces it plans to return Goldin's body at 2pm.

Captivity survivor calls for return of Hadar Goldin's body

Hamas captivity survivor Matan Angrest joins Hostages Square rally, calling for the return of fallen IDF soldier Hadar Goldin's body from Gaza.

MDA mourns deceased hostage and longtime volunteer Lior Rudaeff

Magen David Adom mourns volunteer EMT Lior Rudaeff, whose body was returned from Gaza for burial in Israel.

Body of deceased hostage Lior Rudaeff returned to Israel

Warrant Officer (res.) Lior Rudaeff, aged 61 from Nir Yitzhak, served as deputy security coordinator and a member of the rapid response team.

Hamas claims to have found body of IDF soldier Hadar Goldin

Hamas source tells Al Jazeera that the body of IDF soldier Hadar Goldin, killed and abducted in 2014, has been found near Rafah.

Body of foreign student Joshua Loitu Mollel returned to Israel

Joshua Loitu Mollel, was an agricultural student from Tanzania who came to Kibbutz Nahal Oz just weeks before the October 7 massacre, when he was killed and his body abducted to Gaza.

Freed hostage Evyatar David publishes first social media post

Evyatar David, who was held in Hamas captivity for two years, publishes his first social media post since his release from captivity, thanking the nation for their support.

Hamas demanding heavy equipment to retrieve hostages' bodies

Hamas announces willingness to search for hostages' remains in IDF-controlled territory, demands heavy equipment.

Iris Haim condemns honorary degree granted to activist mother

Iris Haim, mother of hostage Yotam Haim who was killed in IDF error, condemns honorary degree granted to Einav Zangauker, stridently anti-Netanyahu mother of released hostage Matan Zangauker.

Israeli source:

Remains transferred Friday not of Israeli hostages

Israel says remains of three bodies transferred Friday not a match for any hostages; Hamas shifts blame to Israel.

Moving:

Captivity survivor Bar Kupershtein dons tefillin at Hostages Sq.

Crowds gather at Hostages Square, praying with released hostage Bar Kupershtein as he dons tefillin and prays for the return of the deceased hostages.

Captivity survivor surprises the Jerusalemites

Rom Braslavski, recently freed from Hamas captivity, moved thousands with a heartfelt message to the “Yerushalmim V'Yerushalmiot” group after two years of silence.

Bodies of murdered hostages Amiram Cooper, Sahar Baruch returned

Two caskets of what are said to be hostages were brought to Israel and were taken to the National Institute for Forensic Medicine for identification.

Hostages Families Forum sends warning to haredi protest group

Hostages Families Forum sends cease and desist warning to Ateret Shlomo Yeshiva in Beit Shemesh, claiming 'cynical, degrading, and unlawful use' of symbols of fight for hostages' return.

IDF announces: Gaza ceasefire renews, 30 terrorists struck

IDF concludes series of 'significant strikes' in Gaza following Hamas attacks on IDF troops which left one soldier dead.

Exploiting ceasefire:

Hamas searching for weapons instead of deceased hostages

Hamas terrorists enter territory controlled by IDF under pretense of searching for bodies of deceased hostages, but search for weapons instead, security sources reveal.

Hamas announces: We can retrieve 7-9 hostages' bodies

Following US pressure, Hamas terror group announces it is able to retrieve most of the remaining hostages' bodies from the rubble, report says.

'You were a human shield for us'

Hostage Yossi Sharabi laid to rest

Hundreds attend funeral of murdered hostage Yossi Sharabi, who was kidnapped during the October 7 massacre and murdered in Hamas captivity.

MK Kroizer:

Otzma Yehudit pushing for renewed IDF offensive in Gaza

Hamas continues to tear Israeli society apart, IDF must bring the last hostage home, MK Yitzhak Kroizer says.

Hamas claims it can't find hostages' bodies

Senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya claims terror group not managing to locate hostages' bodies, despite intelligence indicating the terror group knows where the majority of bodies are located.

Watch:

Captivity survivor Eitan Mor receives emotional welcome

Hamas captivity survivor Eitan Mor passes through Oz Vegaon reserve in Gush Etzion, on his way home to Kiryat Arba, receiving a warm and moving welcome by local residents.

Hamas & Red Cross to search for hostages in IDF-controlled areas

Israel approves operations by Hamas, Red Cross, in IDF-controlled areas of Gaza.

Hamas official: Return of hostages' bodies a matter of 'months'

Moussa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official, insists Hamas has no more hostages to hand over, claims transfer of remaining 13 hostages' bodies could take 'months.' 'This is not a matter of weeks.'

Trump gives Hamas 48-hour deadline

US President Donald Trump urges Hamas to promptly return the bodies of deceased hostages, including two Americans, warning that failure to comply could prompt international action. 'I am watching this very closely.'

Following US pressure:

Egyptian team to help locate hostages' bodies

Egyptian team to enter Gaza, help locate deceased hostages' bodies, as US prevents Israel from taking steps to punish Hamas for delay.

Israeli official:

Hamas unsure of locations of five hostages' bodies

Hamas 'playing games' to avoid entering second stage of Trump deal, which requires disarming, Israeli official says.

Israel preparing to receive bodies of two hostages

Sources in Israel's defense echelon estimate Hamas may transfer Israel bodies of deceased hostages over the weekend, following pressure from the US and Israel.

Hamas accuses: Israel to blame for delay in bodies' transfer

Hamas spokesman Ismail Radwan accuses Israel of obstructing recovery of hostages’ bodies, says terror group determined that ceasefire succeed.

Israel preparing to receive body of deceased hostage

Israel preparing for possibility Hamas will return body of a deceased hostage on Monday night.

Released hostage's mother:

Avinatan is stronger in spirit and more determined than ever

Ditza Or, mother of Hamas captivity survivor Avinatan Or, speaks to the media about her son's condition following his release from Hamas captivity.

Watch: Chief rabbi dances with freed hostages

Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi Kalman Ber visits released hostages in Tel Hashomer Hospital, stressing mutual responsibility to bring the deceased hostages home for burial.

Watch: Ariel Cunio returns to Nir Oz community

Hamas captivity survivors Ariel Cunio and partner Arbel Yehud arrive at their home in Kiryat Gat, to live in temporary residences intended for the Nir Oz community; their community is on hand to greet them.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.'

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.