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hostages

News and updates about hostages

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.'

Terrorists gave Matan a prayer book, he prayed thrice daily

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.

Bodies of Tamir Nimrodi, Uriel Baruch, and Eitan Levy identified

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.

The last hostage to see Guy alive

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.

All living hostages are back in Israel

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,

These are the 20 hostages released from Hamas captivity

'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.'

Watch: Hostage's mother speaks with her son for the first time

'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: Hostage Elkana Bohbot speaks with mother Ruhama

Watch: Returning hostages cross into Israeli territory

The IDF has released footage of the returning hostages' arrival in Israel. Watch.

Watch: Returning hostages cross into Israeli territory

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.'

IDF chief: 'Our mission won't end until the last hostage returns'

Government 'committed to the return of all hostages'

Government statement welcomes returning hostages home, says families have been updated.

Government 'committed to the return of all hostages'

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.'

The Netanyahus' note

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.

Thousands attend holiday prayers at the Western Wall

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.

Hamas willing to immediately release 20 living hostages

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.

Boos directed at Netanyahu 'horrific and tactless'

Hamas spokesman says returning deceased hostages is 'complex'

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

Hamas spokesman says returning deceased hostages is 'complex'

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.'

Ivanka: 'Trump wants you to know that he stands with you, always'

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.

Hostages to be released on Monday - perhaps even Sunday

Iris Haim: 'Rejoice quietly, in a trembling voice'

Iris Haim, mother of kidnapped and killed hostage Yotam Haim, calls on Israeli public to rejoice with modesty and remember the fallen soldiers and the hostages who will never return to their families.

Iris Haim: 'Rejoice quietly, in a trembling voice'

Hostages' families:

We understand the price, Israel must prevent future kidnappings

Tikva Forum for families of hostages and fallen soldiers acknowledges Trump deal's risk to Israeli public, demands Israel prevent future kidnappings.

We understand the price, Israel must prevent future kidnappings

Hamas demanding release of major archterrorists in hostage deal

List of prisoners on Hamas' list includes Marwan Barghouti, Abdullah Barghouti, Ahmad Sa'adat, Ibrahim Hamad, Abbas al-Sayeed, and Hassan Salamah; PM's Office clarifies ceasefire has not yet taken effect.

Hamas demanding release of major archterrorists in hostage deal

Israel’s healthcare system on high alert ahead of hostage return

Hospitals, Health Ministry, preparing for the largest hostage admittance operation thus far. 'We are preparing for the worst of all and hoping for good.'

Israel’s healthcare system on high alert ahead of hostage return

From Gaza’s darkness to hope:

Noa Argamani’s message two years after October 7

Rescued hostage Noa Argamani reflects on the two-year anniversary of the October 7 massacre, recalling her abduction from the Nova Music Festival and expressing hope for the safe return of her partner Avinatan and the remaining hostages.

Noa Argamani’s message two years after October 7

Watch:

Ben Gvir prays on Temple Mount, reciting 'Kedusha' prayer

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir ascends Temple Mount in honor of Sukkot holiday, to pray 'for the destruction of Hamas and the return of the hostages.'

Ben Gvir prays on Temple Mount, reciting 'Kedusha' prayer

Channel 12 journalist:

Netanyahu critics are 'a violent and embarrassing cult'

Channel 12 journalist Yaron Avraham blasts critics of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, says ‘they’d rather the hostages not return,’ if it means US President Donald Trump will hurt Netanyahu politically.

Netanyahu critics are 'a violent and embarrassing cult'

Hamas official claims it will take 'months' to find all hostages

Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk claims it will take months for Hamas to locate all hostages, Jerusalem official says terror group knows locations of all living hostages and is able to reach them.

Hamas official claims it will take 'months' to find all hostages

IDF holds high-level assessment ahead of 1st phase of Trump plan

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir orders heightened readiness for first phase of US President Donald Trump’s hostage release plan, prioritizing troop safety and directing all capabilities to the Southern Command.

IDF holds high-level assessment ahead of 1st phase of Trump plan

Netanyahu:

We are preparing for the immediate release of all hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issues unusual late-night statement responding to US President Donald Trump's demand that Israel immediately cease bombing Gaza.

We are preparing for the immediate release of all hostages

On Yom Kippur eve:

Israeli Ambassador prays for hostages at UN General Assembly

For the first time in history: On the eve of Yom Kippur, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon prayed for hostages' release at the UN General Assembly. Watch.

Israeli Ambassador prays for hostages at UN General Assembly

This chapter of Psalms helped one hostage survive Hamas captivity

Released hostage Omar Shem-Tov says faith sustained him during 130 days in captivity, asks everyone to send positive energy to the remaining hostages, speak to them daily. 'I think the prayers and the energy can be felt.'

This chapter of Psalms helped one hostage survive Hamas captivity

Emily Damari reveals:

Hamas leader willing to be exiled as part of deal

Former hostage Emily Damari tells Mosab Hassan Yousef: 'Hamas leader Izz al-Din al-Haddad told us he is willing to leave leadership, leave Gaza, in exchange for safe passage.' Watch.

Hamas leader willing to be exiled as part of deal

Returning to role as mediator?

Qatar's new demand from Israel

Qatar demanding Israel apologize for strike on Hamas, as precondition for renewing role as mediator in ceasefire talks.

Qatar's new demand from Israel

Source: Living hostages being moved from place to place

Living hostages at risk due to constant movement, Hamas source tells Al Jazeera.

Source: Living hostages being moved from place to place

Avigdor Kahalani:

'Hamas will not compromise until we step on them'

Brig. Gen. (res.) Avigdor Kahalani urges commanders to press on with the capture of Gaza City. 'Hamas only understands only the language of force.'

'Hamas will not compromise until we step on them'

Amb. Akunis:

Both Qatar and Hamas responsible for safety of hostages

Israeli Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis urges continued pressure on Qatar and Hamas to release all 48 hostages still held in Gaza, promises Israel 'will never apologize for defending the State of Israel and the Jewish people.'

Both Qatar and Hamas responsible for safety of hostages

Hamas has moved some of the hostages above ground

Hamas now holds some hostages in tents and private homes, ahead of increased IDF ground operations.

Hamas has moved some of the hostages above ground

Watch:

Released hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov reunites with her family

Prime Minister congratulated Elizabeth Tsurkov on her release from captivity in Iraq, wished her a full recovery, and thanked those who helped secure her release.

Released hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov reunites with her family

Father of hostage: 'Prayers help us and give us hope'

Yosef Haim Ohana, kidnapped during the October 7 massacre, marks his 25th birthday in captivity; his father tells of Yosef Haim's courage on the day of the attack.

Father of hostage: 'Prayers help us and give us hope'

First sign of life:

Ohel family greenlights publication of Alon Ohel's image

The image shows Alon with Guy Gilboa Dalal, 701 days into captivity; family warns of severe eye injury and calls for international action.

Ohel family greenlights publication of Alon Ohel's image

Psychological terrorism:

Hamas publishes video of two hostages

Hamas publishes video of hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal and additional hostage, as part of effort to pressure Israel and prevent conquest of Gaza City.

Hamas publishes video of two hostages

Watch: Heartbreaking 'Kaddish' prayer at the Western Wall

Hundreds of bereaved families from around Israel attend last night of Selichot at the Western Wall to take part in the prayers and draw shared strength.

Watch: Heartbreaking 'Kaddish' prayer at the Western Wall

Hostage's brother: 'We need to execute terrorists'

Idan Baruch, brother of kidnapped and murdered hostage Ariel Baruch, says there is no place to discuss terrorists' prison conditions, urges executing them instead. 'That's the minimum in a functional country.'

Hostage's brother: 'We need to execute terrorists'

Hostage's mother: The moment G-d wills it, they'll release him

Miri Ben-Haim, mother of hostage Yosef Haim Ohana, tries to remain optimistic, says she feels she must be strong - to give her son strength during his time in Hamas captivity.

Hostage's mother: The moment G-d wills it, they'll release him

Huckabee:

'Israel must decide how to bring back hostages, defeat Hamas'

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee visits school in Eshkol Region, supports efforts to bring hostages home. 'A lot of people are putting the pressure on Israel. The pressure needs to be directed at Hamas.'

'Israel must decide how to bring back hostages, defeat Hamas'

Netanyahu to Cabinet ministers: Partial deal not on the table

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuses to hold vote on resolution opposing partial deal with Hamas, claiming such a deal is 'not on the table.'

Netanyahu to Cabinet ministers: Partial deal not on the table

Families of hostages protest outside Cabinet meeting

Relatives of some of the hostages demonstrate outside Cabinet meeting, demanding deal with Hamas. 'You have ten days to end this.'

Families of hostages protest outside Cabinet meeting

Office of the UK Chief Rabbi:

Until the last hostage. D’var Torah for Shoftim

‘Yisrael v’oraita chad hu’- the Jewish people and the Torah are one.

Until the last hostage. D’var Torah for Shoftim

Keith Siegel: Every day in captivity, I said 'Shema Yisrael'

Freed hostage Keith Siegel says captors attempted to force him to convert to Islam, says captivity strengthened his connection to Judaism.

Keith Siegel: Every day in captivity, I said 'Shema Yisrael'

Hostage's brother:

Deal not dependent on gov't, only Netanyahu can decide

Yaakov Bohbot, brother of hostage Elkana Bohbot, wonders aloud why Israel must press for agreement on its terms if Hamas has already agreed to a previous offer.

Deal not dependent on gov't, only Netanyahu can decide

Report: Negotiations for ceasefire with Hamas to restart

Arab reports say negotiations for Gaza ceasefire may resume - while Israel continues preparing for military operation.

Report: Negotiations for ceasefire with Hamas to restart

Details of Hamas' ceasefire proposal revealed

Hamas demanding release of 150 mass murderers, agrees to 700-meter perimeter in some areas of Gaza.

Details of Hamas' ceasefire proposal revealed

Report: Hamas receives new ceasefire proposal

Israel insists on full hostage release as partial deal remains under discussion.

Report: Hamas receives new ceasefire proposal

MK Rothman: We've turned the hostages into an asset for Hamas

MK Simcha Rothman criticizes government's approach to hostage crisis, says if Hamas isn't defeated, hostages are at risk, stressing Hamas must view hostages as a burden, not an asset.

MK Rothman: We've turned the hostages into an asset for Hamas

Former IDF general: Gaza conquest key to defeating Hamas

Full takeover of Gaza necessary to defeat Hamas, would take only a few months, former IDF General Yiftah Ron-Tal says.

Former IDF general: Gaza conquest key to defeating Hamas

Terrorist's hand reveals depth of Hamas' lies

Hamas claims its terrorists are malnourished just like the hostages - but a single moment in a video released by the terror group itself proves otherwise.

Terrorist's hand reveals depth of Hamas' lies

President Herzog at Eicha:

'Our hearts burn with pain for the hostages'

Attending Tisha B’Av reading of Eicha, President Isaac Herzog refers to disturbing video of hostage Evyatar David, calls on Israelis to fast and pray for the captives’ safe return. 'They are everyone's sons.'

'Our hearts burn with pain for the hostages'

Amichai Eliyahu:

Hostages are POWs, Gaza will be Jewish after Hamas defeat

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu says Israel shouldn't address Gaza hunger during wartime, sovereignty will bring security.

Hostages are POWs, Gaza will be Jewish after Hamas defeat

Ofer's unimaginable victory:

From Hamas' tunnels to the Champs-Élysées on a bicycle

Ofer Calderon, held by Hamas for 484 days, joins Israel-Premier Tech at the Tour de France's final stage in Paris, fulfilling a promise made during his captivity and calling for the return of all hostages.

From Hamas' tunnels to the Champs-Élysées on a bicycle

Hostage's parents urge one-phase deal to bring all hostages home

'No more delays, no more partial deals': New Yorkers rally with hostage families in Central Park to 'bring everyone home.'

Hostage's parents urge one-phase deal to bring all hostages home

Report: Hamas preparing for hostage rescue operations

Saudi report says Hamas on high alert due to concerns of cooperation on potential hostage rescue operations.

Report: Hamas preparing for hostage rescue operations

Israeli source:

Hamas expected to respond to ceasefire proposal with conditions

Hamas likely to accept offer for ceasefire deal, while raising demands on IDF deployment, humanitarian aid, necessitating further negotiations.

Hamas expected to respond to ceasefire proposal with conditions