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hostages

News and updates about hostages

Hostages families:

Calls for 'unity' are an attempt to end the war

Hostages' relatives from the Tikva Forum cry to public: 'Calls for unity mask a call to end the war and pay a painful price; these calls actually make it harder to bring the hostages back.'

Calls for 'unity' are an attempt to end the war

The information that could've saved six hostages

Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, rescued from Gaza, related that he heard a woman say, 'Good morning' in Hebrew in the tunnels. Despite his testimony, no changes were made to the IDF's operational plans.

The information that could've saved six hostages

Health Min. to present report on hostages to the United Nations

'Report highlights horrors the hostages endured, reveals the brutality of the enemy with whom Israel is engaged; global community must utilize all available means to end this cruelty and bring the hostages home,' Health Minister Uriel Busso says.

Health Min. to present report on hostages to the United Nations

Watch:

100 vehicles form hostage ribbon symbol in Sde Boker

One hundred vehicles, one for each hostage still in Gaza, form the hostage ribbon symbol in Sde Boker.

100 vehicles form hostage ribbon symbol in Sde Boker

Hamas official claims:

Ceasefire required to provide list of hostages

Hamas unable to provide Israel with a list of living hostages until a ceasefire in Gaza takes effect, Hamas official claims.

Ceasefire required to provide list of hostages

Hamas claims:

Israel presented new conditions which delayed ceasefire deal

'Serious negotiations for ceasefire deal are ongoing, Hamas has shown responsibility and flexibility,' terror group claims in statement.

Israel presented new conditions which delayed ceasefire deal

Delay in hostage deal negotiations due to Hamas foot-dragging

Hamas ignoring pressure from mediators, leader Mohammed Sinwar refusing to compromise, sources say.

Delay in hostage deal negotiations due to Hamas foot-dragging

Hannah Katzir, who survived Hamas captivity, passes away

Chana (Hannah) Katzir, 77, passes away just over one year after her release in a November 2023 prisoner swap deal with Hamas.

Hannah Katzir, who survived Hamas captivity, passes away

Hamas passes Israel list of terrorists to be freed in swap deal

Israel presents Hamas with a list of 34 hostages to be released in the first stage of a deal, 'including 11 who do not meet the criteria. Hamas agreed - in exchange for special compensation.'

Hamas passes Israel list of terrorists to be freed in swap deal

Hostages' families:

We demand a deal that will ensure the return of all hostages

Families of hostages oppose partial deal, stress, 'We demand a deal that leaves no one behind!'

We demand a deal that will ensure the return of all hostages

Diplomatic source:

Archterrorist Marwan Barghouti won't be released

Head of Fatah's Tanzim group says archterrorist Marwan Barghouti at top of Hamas' list of terrorists to be freed in a prisoner swap deal; diplomatic source says Barghouti won't be freed.

Archterrorist Marwan Barghouti won't be released

Arab report: 'Cautious optimism' for ceasefire deal

Negotiators for ceasefire-prisoner swap deal between Israel and the Hamas terror group report 'significant progress' in reaching two-stage deal, Lebanese outlet reports.

Arab report: 'Cautious optimism' for ceasefire deal

Hamas sources:

Disagreements remain on two issues critical to prisoner swap deal

'Excellent' progress on ceasefire negotiations, only two key issues remain, Hamas sources tell Lebanon's Al-Akhbar.

Disagreements remain on two issues critical to prisoner swap deal

Hamas official:

We're close to an agreement to end the war in Gaza

Hamas official says agreement between Israel and Hamas is in the final stages, after the sides succeeded in reaching agreements on most of the issues causing disagreement.

We're close to an agreement to end the war in Gaza

'Am Israel chai'

Watch: John Kirby emotionally recites prayer for the hostages

White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby dons kippah before reciting the prayer for the hostages at the Israeli embassy.

Watch: John Kirby emotionally recites prayer for the hostages

Smotrich:

Deal would be 'serious mistake,' now's the time to crush Hamas

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slams proposed prisoner swap deal, stressing that it won't bring back all the hostages. 'Hamas is at its lowest point, this is not the time to throw them a lifeline.'

Deal would be 'serious mistake,' now's the time to crush Hamas

Moving:

Rescued hostage recites blessing of thanksgiving

Louis Har, rescued from Hamas captivity during Operation Arnon, arrives at Givat Shmuel yeshiva to recite 'Hagomel,' is greeted with song and dance.

Rescued hostage recites blessing of thanksgiving

Report:

Terrorists with blood on their hands to be released into exile

Hamas-affiliated outlet says negotiations nearing conclusion, terrorists handed heavy sentences to be exiled to Turkey, Iran.

Terrorists with blood on their hands to be released into exile

Defense Minister:

Vast majority will support a deal, we're closer than ever

Defense Minister Israel Katz confirms prisoner swap deal with Hamas 'closer than ever,' stresses that 'it's better to speak less.'

Vast majority will support a deal, we're closer than ever

Hamas official: Ceasefire deal closer than ever

Hamas official tells Saudi news outlet that a ceasfire-prisoner swap deal is 'closer than ever,' claims 'main obstacle is Israel and Netanyahu.'

Hamas official: Ceasefire deal closer than ever

Hamas insisting on release of fewer hostages

Israel willing to compromise on several issues but not on the number of hostages to be released, report says.

Hamas insisting on release of fewer hostages

Released hostage:

'A partial deal is a hole in this nation's heart'

At the Hostages' Families Rally at Hostages Square, families emphasize: 'There will be no victory until the last hostage returns! We demand a deal that will guarantee the return of all hostages home!'

'A partial deal is a hole in this nation's heart'

Report:

Israel opposes release of archterrorist Marwan Barghouti

Arab reports say Israel refuses to include archterrorist Marwan Barghouti in prisoner swap deal with Hamas. 'Israel has alternative lists.'

Israel opposes release of archterrorist Marwan Barghouti

Hostages' families:

Every hour the Prime Minister spends in court hurts the hostages

Tikva Forum for the families of hostages urges Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara: 'Every hour dedicated to legal proceedings comes at the expense of bringing hostages home and the chance that a deal will succeed.'

Every hour the Prime Minister spends in court hurts the hostages

Report:

Hamas passes Israel names, medical condition, of hostages

Arab media outlet reports progress in negotiations for ceasefire-prisoner swap deal which would span two months and include four hostages who hold US citizenship.

Hamas passes Israel names, medical condition, of hostages

Tikva Forum: There is no blood that is worth more or less

Tikva Forum for hostages' families urges government not to agree to a partial deal. 'Proposed deal leaves behind those who appear in the video clips - how can we decide who is worthy of life and who should remain behind in hell?'

Tikva Forum: There is no blood that is worth more or less

Arab report: Hamas attempting to locate living hostages

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani says there is 'new momentum' in negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas terror group in Gaza.

Arab report: Hamas attempting to locate living hostages

Hamas publishes sign of life from hostage Matan Zangauker

Hamas publishes footage from hostage Matan Zangauker, family approves video's release.

Hamas publishes sign of life from hostage Matan Zangauker

Minister Sa'ar to Blinken:

'Israel seriously intends to advance hostage deal'

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the ongoing cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and the importance of ensuring the agreement is fully implemented.

'Israel seriously intends to advance hostage deal'

Danielle Aloni:

'They tried to convince me to leave Emilia in Gaza'

Danielle Aloni, who was kidnapped to Gaza together with her daughter Emilia and released in a November 2023 prisoner swap deal, talks about the conditions of their captivity and the pressure for her daughter to remain behind in Gaza.

'They tried to convince me to leave Emilia in Gaza'

Smotrich:

Trump made 'clear and morally sound statements'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich thanks US President-elect Donald Trump for clarifying that Hamas will suffer a heavy blow if Israeli hostages are not returned prior to Inauguration Day.

Trump made 'clear and morally sound statements'

Minister Orit Strock:

If there's a hostage deal like the first - we'll support it

Minister Orit Strock slams aid to Gaza, says Jewish settlement of Gaza not part of war's goals, and responds to ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

If there's a hostage deal like the first - we'll support it

Hostage Omer Neutra declared fallen IDF soldier

Captain Omer Maxim Neutra, lone soldier from New York, served as a tank commander in the IDF. He was kidnapped to Gaza during the October 7 massacre, and was recently declared dead.

Hostage Omer Neutra declared fallen IDF soldier

Over a thousand rally in New York, demanding action for hostages

Adi Alexander, father of Edan Alexander, urges US President Biden, President-elect Trump, and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu: 'This is a moment for courage, collaboration, and decisive action.'

Over a thousand rally in New York, demanding action for hostages

White House:

War in Gaza would end tomorrow if Hamas released hostages

Video of hostages Edan Alexander a 'a cruel reminder of Hamas’s terror against citizens of multiple countries, including our own,' White House statement reads.

War in Gaza would end tomorrow if Hamas released hostages

Mother of British hostage:

'UN resolution would've been a death sentence for our loved ones'

'If UN & other international organizations had done their jobs, our loved ones would be home by now. Instead, we get excuses, fake support, & empty promises,' Mandy Damari, mother of British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari, says at Sha'ar Hanegev rally.

'UN resolution would've been a death sentence for our loved ones'

Psychological terrorism:

In Hamas video, American-Israeli hostage speaks to Trump

Idan Alexander, an immigrant from New Jersey, was kidnapped from the Kissufim Crossing by Hamas terrorists, and has been held captive in Gaza ever since.

In Hamas video, American-Israeli hostage speaks to Trump

Egypt's proposal:

Temporary ceasefire with hostage release

Egyptian intelligence delegation proposes ceasefire-prisoner swap deal lasting one or two months and including hostage release, talks to end war.

Temporary ceasefire with hostage release

Labor Minister:

'The hostages are the nation's biggest wound'

Labor Minister Yoav Ben Tzur calls to increase diplomatic and military pressure to bring hostages home. 'Time is running out.'

'The hostages are the nation's biggest wound'

Hamas publishes footage which seems to show murdered hostage

'We are examining the information, and at this stage, we cannot confirm or refute it,' IDF spokesman says.

Hamas publishes footage which seems to show murdered hostage

Award-winning actor:

'Let everyone in Gaza die of hunger until the hostages come home'

Israel should have paused all humanitarian aid to Gaza at the start of the war in order to release all the hostages, Israeli actor Uri Gavriel says.

'Let everyone in Gaza die of hunger until the hostages come home'

Hostage's father to AG:

IDF must defeat Hamas, bring back hostages

'IDF is not measured by whether soldiers give water to a woman in Gaza, but by whether it defends the citizens of Israel,' Tzvika Mor, father of hostage Eitan Mor, tells Knesset committee.

IDF must defeat Hamas, bring back hostages

Watch: Residents of Eli and relatives of hostages sing together

Residents of the town of Eli, which has lost several soldiers in the war, sing together with families of hostages during a special evening in Eli dedicated to prayers for the hostages' welfare.

Watch: Residents of Eli and relatives of hostages sing together

More psychological terror:

Fourth sign of life from hostage Sasha Trufanov

Islamic Jihad publishes fourth video, second within a week, of hostage Sasha Trufanov - this time with him begging Shas chief Aryeh Deri not to let him die in Gaza.

Fourth sign of life from hostage Sasha Trufanov

With the Chief Rabbi:

Hostages' families pray for their safe return at Rachel's Tomb

On the anniversary of Rachel the Matriarch's passing, Israel's new Chief Rabbi joins dozens of relatives of hostages in prayers for their safe return.

Hostages' families pray for their safe return at Rachel's Tomb

Islamic JIhad reveals:

Additional sign of life from hostage Sasha Troufanov

Islamic Jihad releases third sign of life from hostage Sasha Troufanov, who turned 29 earlier this week.

Additional sign of life from hostage Sasha Troufanov

Biden's bizarre response to an Israeli reporter's question

US President Joe Biden is asked by an Israeli journalist whether he believes a hostage deal is possible in the near future - and offers a response that raises a storm.

Biden's bizarre response to an Israeli reporter's question

Noa Argamani on Instagram: 'The abandonment continues'

The hostage rescued during Operation Arnon criticized the Israeli government: 'Another day passes and another day passes amid complete uncertainty wrapped in despair.'

Noa Argamani on Instagram: 'The abandonment continues'

Heartbreaking:

Mothers of hostages sing together

Marking 400 days since the October 7 kidnappings and massacre, mothers of hostages sing, 'Bo'ee Ima,' 'Come, Mother,' at Hostages Square rally. Watch.

Mothers of hostages sing together

Released hostage:

Failure to reach a deal seals the fate of the hostages

Maya Regev, kidnapped on October 7 together with her brother and boyfriend, and released last year in a prisoner swap deal, speaks at central rally.

Failure to reach a deal seals the fate of the hostages

Sources: Intense efforts underway to secure prisoner swap deal

Egypt expects progress in ceasefire-prisoner swap deal to lower tensions in region, report says.

Sources: Intense efforts underway to secure prisoner swap deal

Payment for info on hostages:

'There are messages which could be interesting'

Daniel Birnbaum, former SEO of SodaStream, says he's receiving messages from all over the world after promising a reward for hostages' return, explains reasoning behind his offer.

'There are messages which could be interesting'

Watch: Lipa Schmeltzer sings to Noa Argamani

Hasidic American singer Lipa Schmeltzer dedicates song to rescued hostage Noa Argamani, singing praises of her faith and strength of character. Watch.

Watch: Lipa Schmeltzer sings to Noa Argamani

Israeli official:

'Qatar has become more significant in the negotiations'

Israeli source says that after Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's death, Qatar holds the keys to a prisoner swap deal and the ability to pressure Hamas.

'Qatar has become more significant in the negotiations'

'Dress like Naama'

Women call for the return of Naama Levy in powerful demonstration

Women dress in outfits similar to that worn by hostage Naama Levy at the time of her kidnapping, in a powerful call for her release.

Women call for the return of Naama Levy in powerful demonstration

IDF: Rumors of hostage rescue are untrue

For the third time in less than 24 hours, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari clarifies that Israelis held captive in Gaza were not freed; investigation opened.

IDF: Rumors of hostage rescue are untrue

Sinwar's body transferred to secret location following autopsy

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar weighed around 70 kilograms at the time of his death; his corpse is expected to be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations for hostages' release.

Sinwar's body transferred to secret location following autopsy

Defense Minister:

Chance hostages will be smuggled out of Gaza is minimal

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks with relatives of the hostages, responding to inquiry regarding possibility that they may no longer be in Gaza.

Chance hostages will be smuggled out of Gaza is minimal

Moving:

The haredi rabbi who has slept on the floor & board since Oct. 7

Families of hostages tour Bnei Brak, learn that Rabbi Yitzhak Koledetski has slept on the floor or on a board since the October 7 massacre. 'How can he sleep comfortably?'

The haredi rabbi who has slept on the floor & board since Oct. 7

13-year-old released hostage: 'Civilians hit me in Gaza'

Eitan Yahalomi, 13, kidnapped to Gaza on October 7, and released in a November 2023 deal, speaks about the kidnapping and his first days in captivity.

13-year-old released hostage: 'Civilians hit me in Gaza'