hostages

Calderon family: Ofer came back to us weak, but on his feet

The family of Ofer Calderon, released Saturday from Hamas captivity, spoke to the media, asking for time and privacy. 'Now we can recover, we are whole.'

Emily Damari returns to home she was kidnapped from

Emily Damari, recently released from Hamas captivity, returns to her home in Kfar Aza, from which she was kidnapped on the morning of the October 7 massacre.

Bibas family:

'Yarden feels good, he's strong and amazing'

Bibas family issues statement following Yarden Bibas' release from Hamas captivity, thanks public for support. 'We can finally breathe.'

Released hostage:

'I'm here thanks to you, and I'm okay'

Released hostage Doron Steinbrecher tells attendees at Hostages Square rally: 'Thanks to everyone who supported and embraced, thanks to all of the soldiers, and the security forces.'

Netanyahu after hostages' release:

'Our steadfast stand proved itself'

'We'll continue to take determined action to bring hostages back home, and achieve all of our objectives for the war,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says.

Released hostage testifies:

'It was very hard for Yarden, his fear was very great'

Tami Metzger, released in a November 2023 prisoner swap deal, tells of her time in captivity alongside Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon.

Watch:

'Dad, that's it, it's over - now you're with us'

Ofer Calderon, 54, kidnapped with his children to Gaza during the October 7 massacre, reunites with his children and other family members in Israel, after 484 days in captivity.

Bibas family: Yarden has returned to an unbearable reality

After meeting his father and sister in Re'im, released hostage Yarden Bibas arrived at Sheba Medical Center, where he met his mother Penina. His wife Shiri and children Ariel and Kfir are still in Gaza.

Siegel family reunites:

'Dad, you came back to us!! You're a hero for surviving!'

Watch the emotional reunion as released hostage Keith Seigel meets his family after 484 days in captivity.

After 484 days in captivity:

Keith, Ofer, and Yarden returned to Israel

Hostages Keith Siegel, Yarden Bibas, and Ofer Calderon were released Saturday from Hamas captivity.

Haftarat Parashat Bo:

Where everybody knows your name

When there is genuine concern for the individual, names hold meaning and serve a purpose.

Live updates:

After 482 days: Arbel, Gadi, and Agam arrive in Israel

Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, along with five Thai citizens, cross into Israeli territory after being released from Islamic Jihad captivity. Agam Berger, released from Hamas captivity, has reunited with her parents.

Following chaos in Khan Yunis:

Israel delaying release of terrorists slated to be freed in deal

Following scenes of chaos and violence in Khan Yunis, political echelon orders release of 110 terrorists to be delayed.

Infuriating footage from Gaza:

Masses of terrorists surround Red Cross vehicles

Hostages Gadi Mozes, 80, and Arbel Yehud, 29, were transferred to the care of the Red Cross on Thursday afternoon, after 482 days in captivity.

Netanyahu on hostages' release:

These horrific scenes must not be allowed to repeat themselves

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu harshly criticizes chaos in Khan Yunis during release of hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes.

Pres. Herzog:

Scenes were horrifying, they endured hell with amazing bravery

Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomes Israelis Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, five Thai citizens, to Israel, says 'scenes of abuse and terror towards the hostages' during release were 'horrifying.'

Emotional moment:

'We'll never leave you': Agam Berger reunites with her parents

IDF publishes footage of soldier Agam Berger's arrival in Israel, reunification with her parents.

Like mother, like daughter:

Agam kept Shabbat and kosher - even during captivity

Liri Albag, who was held together with Agam Berger in captivity, tells Agam's mother details about her time in captivity.

Moments after her release:

Watch: Prayer of thanksgiving outside Agam Berger's home

Neighbors and relatives of IDF soldier Agam Berger, who was released Thursday morning from Hamas captivity, celebrate outside her home with prayers of thanksgiving.

Watch live:

Hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes minutes before release

Islamic Jihad publishes footage of hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, who have been handed over to Hamas and are expected to be released soon. Agam Berger, held by Hamas, to be released from Jabaliya.

With the family's approval:

Sign of life received from Gadi Mozes one year ago

One year after the family of hostage Gadi Mozes received a sign of life from him, the family has allowed it to be publicized, in light of his imminent release.

We have already won

When the hostages were paraded before their release, clear faces to the sun, surrounded by an armed, masked, brutal, dark multitude, I thought “we have already won.” And the holy blood of 14-year-old shepherd Benjamin Achimeir Hy"d and others does not negate that victory.

'A reckless deal that will cost in blood'

Hostages' families demand Ben Gvir support deal with Hamas

Argument breaks out in Knesset committee, as representatives of some of the hostages' families demand MK Itamar Ben Gvir support the deal with Hamas. Ben Gvir: 'A reckless deal that will cost in blood.'

Liri Albag's father clarifies:

'I was referring only to the leaders'

Eli Albag, father of Liri Albag, who was released in a prisoner swap deal with Hamas, explains his 'scorn' for those who didn't support deal.

Bereaved father to Eli Albag:

Many Jews will pay with their lives for your daughter's release

Itzik Bonzel, father of fallen IDF soldier Amit Bonzel, responds to Eli Albag, whose daughter was freed in a prisoner swap deal: 'This is the time to bow your head and say thank you, not to threaten.'

Who is on the list to be released next week?

Next Saturday, Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, and Keith Siegel are expected to be released from Hamas captivity. Israeli source clarifies: 'No official list yet.'

Hostages' testimonies revealed

The four newly-released IDF soldiers recounted that there was an elderly hostage who looked after them, ensured they could eat and shower - and was killed in captivity.

Report:

Freed hostage Emily Damari offered Keith Siegel to take her place

Emily Damari, freed last week in a deal with Hamas, asked if American-Israeli Keith Siegel could be released instead of her, report says.

Hamas' cynical video:

Returning hostages smile, 'thank' captors in Arabic

Hamas publishes footage of Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, and Karina Ariev smiling and 'thanking' the terrorists in Arabic for 'taking good care of them' in captivity, 'for the food, the drinks, and the clothing,' and for 'protection from the attacks.'

'Arbel Yehud is alive and will be released next Saturday'

Senior Israeli officials say they expect Arbel Yehud to be released in the coming days - even before Saturday.

IDF spokesman: Hamas did not keep the deal

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari says there is great concern over fate of Bibas family. 'Israel expects to receive certainty on the matter.'

After 477 days in captivity:

Liri, Naama, Daniella, and Karina return home to Israel

Four of the five IDF lookouts kidnapped from the Nahal Oz military post during the October 7 massacre are returned to Israel.

Families of hostages:

2nd phase must be implemented, all remaining hostages must return

Families of the hostages call on Israeli government to complete all phases of the deal, ensure the return of all hostages under the ceasefire agreement with Hamas - until the last captive is home.

Unique request:

Hostage's mother: Don't desecrate the Sabbath

Merav Berger, whose daughter Agam was kidnapped on October 7 and is held hostage in Gaza, says she will try to avoid desecrating Shabbat and asks the media to respect her wishes.

Trudeau calls on Hamas to release all hostages

Resigning Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stressing importance of sticking to ceasefire deal, calls for release of remaining hostages.

'Clear and immediate danger'

Prison guards appeal decision to release terrorist to Shechem

Female prison guards from the Gilboa Prison appeal to Supreme Court, demanding that terrorist Mahmoud Atallah, who raped and sexually assaulted them, be released abroad instead of within Israel.

Released hostage to Trump & Biden:

'Your leadership and commitment have been instrumental'

Hours before deal begins, thousands rally for all hostages' return and mark Kfir Bibas' second birthday. Released hostage Amit Soussana thanks US President Joe Biden, president-elect Donald Trump, for new deal, urges them to see it to completion.

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu:

Stop the 700th of October

Whoever votes in favor of the deal brings the devil himself to the streets of Israel. Most of the terrorists released for the second time are laughing and signaling victory with their hands and movements.

Footage:

IDF completes preparations for hostages' return

IDF sets up absorption centers to provide returning hostages with medical and personal support; following their arrival at the centers, the hostages will be brought to hospitals where they will meet their loved ones.

Terrorists who murdered hundreds of Israelis to be freed in deal

The government approved a deal to release 735 prisoners, exchanging them for 33 hostages held by Hamas. The list includes senior terrorists responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in Israel's history.

Hospitals prepare to receive hostages

Health Ministry sends guidelines to hospitals preparing to receive released hostages ahead of impending ceasefire deal with Hamas.

At the last minute:

Hamas demanding to cancel Israel's right to veto

Hamas demanding to revoke Israel's right to veto release of mass murderers who inspire further terrorism, despite announcement that final agreement has been reached, Prime Minister's Office reports.

Live Updates:

PM's Office: Hamas trying to back down from hostage deal

Hours after Israel and Hamas agree on hostage release and ceasefire deal, to go into effect on Sunday, Netanyahu's office says Hamas is trying to backtrack from the understandings: The Prime Minister instructed the negotiation team to reject outright Hamas's last-minute attempts at extortion.

Diplomatic source:

Hamas falsely claiming Israel added conditions for ceasefire deal

Israel demanding IDF presence within Rafah, right to veto release of certain terrorists, report says.

Warning:

Deal of surrender brings creation of a Palestinian state closer

The immediate danger we face due to the surrender in the hostage deal is the establishment of a Palestinian state. It doesn't seem to matter to the incoming US administration that the majority of the people oppose it; in their eyes the Israeli leadership and the people in Zion are irrelevant.

Coalition members oppose ceasefire deal with Hamas

Ten members of Israel's coalition sent letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to oppose the proposed deal with Hamas.

Report:

Details of ceasefire deal finalized, awaiting Hamas' response

Hamas to release 34 'humanitarian' hostages, Gaza to receive increased humanitarian assistance; reports do not mention key issues for Israel's security. Israel denies report.

Report: Israel requesting expanded buffer zone in Gaza

The Israeli delegation to Doha submitted a military plan for every stage in the ceasefire deal, Qatari media reports.

Netanyahu instructs:

Delegation headed by Mossad chief to head to Qatar

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirms Mossad chief David Barnea will take off for Qatar together with ISA chief Ronen Bar, Maj.-Gen. (Res) Nitzan Alon, to speed up negotiations for ceasefire deal with Hamas.

Families of hostages: 'Historic opportunity must not be missed'

Relatives of hostages urge deal in nationwide rallies, as delegation heads to Qatar.

Hamas official: We're showing great flexibility in negotiations

Ali Baraka, Hamas leader abroad, says terror group agreed to release 34 Israelis in first stage of ceasefire deal, in order to ease path towards comprehensive agreement.

Israeli source confirms:

Progress made in negotiations for ceasefire deal with Hamas

The proposed deal would include a full withdrawal of IDF forces from the Philadelphi Corridor, on the last day of the deal.

Rescued hostage Noa Argamani meets US congressmen and senators

Rescued hostage Noa Argamani shares Hamas video with congressmen and senators in Washington, D.C., urges them to make hostages' release a priority.

Netanyahu: Reports of six-week ceasefire 'absolutely false'

Claims of six- to eight-week ceasefire in Gaza are 'part of the psychological warfare Hamas is trying to use on hostages' families,' statement from Prime Minister's Office emphasizes.

Hostage's mother appeals to Trump:

'Don't let any hostage stay behind'

Meirav Leshem-Gonen, mother of Romi, who was kidnapped to Gaza during the October 7 massacre, begs US President-elect Donald Trump: 'Please make sure that you are standing with us - do whatever is needed to bring them back.'

Blinken reveals:

Whose fault is it that there is no deal?

In an interview with The New York Times, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says a deal could've been reached, questions, 'Where is the world, why hasn't Hamas been pushed to put down its weapons, give up the hostages, and surrender?'

'If Hamas says yes - we have a deal'

Israeli government demanding Hamas increase number of living hostages to be freed; defense echelon pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold talks on 'the day after' Hamas.

'A partial deal will sentence them to death'

Families of hostages held in Gaza hold rally demanding that no one be left behind. 'Government abandoning them for 15 months already.'

Albag family responds to video: 'It tore our hearts to pieces'

Family of kidnapped IDF lookout Liri Albag sends a message to their daughter and the world: 'Liri, if you're hearing us, tell the others that all the families are moving heaven and earth. We will fight until all hostages are returned.'

After 456 days:

Hamas publishes sign of life from hostage Liri Albag

Hamas publishes a sign of life from hostage Liri Albag, who was kidnapped from the Nahal Oz military base during the October 7 massacre.