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prisoner swap

News and updates about prisoner swap

Yarden Bibas:

'I'm sorry I didn't manage to save you'

Funeral for Ariel, Kfir, and Shiri Bibas leaves Rishon Lezion for Nir Oz cemetery; thousands stand along the roadsides, waving Israeli flags and paying last respects.

'I'm sorry I didn't manage to save you'

Report: Hamas may release two deceased hostages Mon. evening

Saudi newspaper reports progress in negotiations to solve crisis; two bodies of murdered hostages may be released in exchange for the over 600 terrorists whose release was delayed.

Report: Hamas may release two deceased hostages Mon. evening

Due to fear of rescue:

Terrorists chained Eliya Cohen to other hostages

Sigi Cohen, mother of released hostage Eliya Cohen, tells of her son's time in captivity.

Terrorists chained Eliya Cohen to other hostages

With Israeli flags lining the road:

This is what Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir's funeral will look like

As per the family's request, the funeral will be limited to invitees only, but the public may honor the memory of Shiri and her sons Ariel and Kfir, accompanying the funeral procession by holding Israeli flags along the roadside.

This is what Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir's funeral will look like

Israel forces Hamas to fold

Hamas spokesman in Gaza says terror group willing to agree to proposal to free hostages in order to end crisis and free terrorists.

Israel forces Hamas to fold

Cruelty and evil:

Hamas brought two additional hostages to release point

Hamas publishes video clip showing hostages Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Evyatar David, sitting in a car while forced to watch their friends' 'release ceremony.'

Hamas brought two additional hostages to release point

Released terrorist dead after falling from roof in Isawiya

Nael Abed, a dangerous terrorist released last week as part of the deal with Hamas, falls from a rooftop to his death.

Released terrorist dead after falling from roof in Isawiya

Returning from captivity:

Eliya discovers that his girlfriend is alive

Eliya Cohen, released from Hamas captivity after 505 days, thought his girlfriend Ziv had been killed in the 'bomb shelter of death.' Prior to the massacre, he had bought a ring - but did not manage to propose before he was kidnapped.

Eliya discovers that his girlfriend is alive

Starved and abused:

Testimonies from Omer, Tal, Omer, and Eliya

Tal Shoham and Omer Wenkert were held together for most of their time in Hamas captivity; Eliya Cohen was kept in complete darkness formost of the time; Omer Shem Tov lost 17 kilograms.

Testimonies from Omer, Tal, Omer, and Eliya

Sign of life received from hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal

Father of hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal says family received 'sign of life' from one of the six hostages who returned to Israel earlier on Saturday.

Sign of life received from hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal

After nearly a decade: Hisham al-Sayed reunites with his family

Hisham al-Sayed, released from Hamas captivity after nearly a decade in Gaza, meets his father Shaaban and brother Wasim at the initial reception point in Israel, and additional family members at the hospital.

After nearly a decade: Hisham al-Sayed reunites with his family

'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.

Moving 'havdalah' ceremony with returned hostages

'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.

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

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.

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

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.

'We have witnessed unimaginable depths of cruelty and evil'

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.

Israel delays release of 602 terrorists

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.

After over a decade, Avera Mengistu reunites with his family

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.

Moving: Omer Wenkert reunites with his parents in Israel

'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.

Eliya Cohen's moving reunion with his parents

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.

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

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.'

Shiri Bibas was murdered in captivity

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Coffins of four deceased hostages arrive at forensic institute

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.

Remains of four deceased hostages arrive at forensic institute

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.

Watch: Mourning together at Hostages Square

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.

Children and infants attend Hamas 'ceremony' for hostage release

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.

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

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 will continue to support every deal

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.

'New level of absurdity and reverberating propaganda'

Ofer Calderon's uncle: Hamas stuffed him ahead of his release

Shami Calderon, uncle of released hostage Ofer Calderon, says Hamas terrorists stuffed Ofer ahead of his release in ceasefire deal. 'Three months before his release he weighed 25 kilograms less.'

Ofer Calderon's uncle: Hamas stuffed him ahead of his release

Cabinet to meet to discuss negotiations on second stage of deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that negotiations for the second stage of the deal with Hamas would not begin without the Cabinet's approval, report says.

Cabinet to meet to discuss negotiations on second stage of deal

Israeli official: We're weighing bringing caravans into Gaza

Israel and the US are pushing for an additional hostage release in the next few days - or the release of all six living hostages next Saturday.

Israeli official: We're weighing bringing caravans into Gaza

Hamas slams Trump: US must force Israel to keep agreement

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasem says US must force Israel to implement ceasefire deal if it is interested in the hostages' lives.

Hamas slams Trump: US must force Israel to keep agreement

'A gift for his wife'

Terrorists told Sagui of daughter's birth, gave gift for his wife

Terrorists told hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen of his daughter's birth while he was in captivity, gave him earrings to give his wife as a gift; Sasha Troufanov was informed in captivity of his father Vitaly's death, and burst into tears.

Terrorists told Sagui of daughter's birth, gave gift for his wife

'She's such a strong woman'

Sasha meets his mother, and his girlfriend Sapir

Watch: Sasha Troufanov reunites with his mother, Yelena, and his partner Sapir Cohen at the initial reception point in Israel.

Sasha meets his mother, and his girlfriend Sapir

'Wow, you're a champ!'

Yair Horn meets his father in the hospital

Yair Horn meets mother Ruth and brother Amos at the initial reception point in Israel, and afterwards meets his father Yitzhak at Ichilov Hospital. Watch.

Yair Horn meets his father in the hospital

Sagui hears his infant daughter's name for the first time

After 498 days in Hamas captivity, family of hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen watches his release from his wife Avital's apartment in Carmei Gat, and from the town of Gvaot Bar.

Sagui hears his infant daughter's name for the first time

Moving:

'Thanks for watching over me, Daddy is on the way'

Watch the moving moments when released hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen meets his family, and as he makes his way to an IDF helicopter. 'Bari, Gali, and Shachar - thanks for watching over me, Daddy is on his way.'

'Thanks for watching over me, Daddy is on the way'

After nearly 500 days:

Iair, Sagui, and Sasha are back in Israel

Sagui Dekel-Chen was informed of his daughter's birth, Sasha Troufanov of the murder of his father Vitaly. All three have arrived in hospitals in central Israel.

Iair, Sagui, and Sasha are back in Israel

Hamas confirms:

Three hostages will be released Saturday, as per original deal

In official statement, Hamas terror group confirms deal is still on, says additional hostages will be released Saturday.

Three hostages will be released Saturday, as per original deal

Hamas official: Hostage release to go on as planned

Hamas official says terror group won't release all hostages on Saturday, but will release hostages in accordance with the agreement already signed, Kan News reports.

Hamas official: Hostage release to go on as planned

Israel examining changes to deal with Hamas

Following testimonies from released hostages, Israel weighs option to demand Hamas expand list of hostages to be released in first stage of deal, due to concerns for their health.

Israel examining changes to deal with Hamas

Former ISA official:

'Solution to Gaza is to conquer land and control it'

Shalom Ben Hanan, former ISA official, discusses Hamas' threat not to release hostages, says Israel should place pressure on Hamas.

'Solution to Gaza is to conquer land and control it'

Hamas responds to Netanyahu's ultimatum

'We're committed to the ceasefire deal, so long as Israel is,' Hamas terror group claims.

Hamas responds to Netanyahu's ultimatum

Trump:

Judea and Samaria are 'going to work out very well'

US President Donald Trump responds to questions about annexing Judea and Samaria, deadline for hostage release.

Judea and Samaria are 'going to work out very well'

Houthi leader threatens Israel: 'We'll return to attacks'

If ceasefire with Hamas ends, Houthis will restart attacks on Israel, rebel group's leader warns.

Houthi leader threatens Israel: 'We'll return to attacks'

Released hostage's mother:

'Romi Gonen to undergo complex surgery'

Meirav Leshem-Gonen, mother of released hostage Romi Gonen, says the young women who returned from Hamas captivity 'are not okay, to lose 20% of your weight is not okay.'

'Romi Gonen to undergo complex surgery'

Yarden Bibas released from hospital

A week and a half after being released from Hamas captivity, Yarden Bibas is released home from the hospital. 'Path to healing will not be complete until Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir return.'

Yarden Bibas released from hospital

'The hostages were in locations where there was humanitarian aid'

Dr. Einat Yehene, head of rehabilitation in health for the Hostages Famly Forum, says Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben-Ami, and Or Levy were 'intentionally starved.'

'The hostages were in locations where there was humanitarian aid'

Eli receives horrific news: His wife and daughters were murdered

Eli Sharabi, returned to Israel after 491 days in captivity, is informed that his wife Leanne and daughters Noya (16) and Yahel (13) were murdered in the October 7 massacre, and his brother Yossi was killed in captivity.

Eli receives horrific news: His wife and daughters were murdered

First hug - after 491 days:

Or and his son Almog meet for the first time

Or Levy, released from Hamas captivity after 491 days, reunites with his three-year-old son Almog.

Or and his son Almog meet for the first time

Pres. Herzog on hostages' state:

'This is what a crime against humanity looks like'

'Whole world' must see how Ohad, Eli, and Or starved and emaciated, were exploited in a cynical and cruel spectacle by Hamas, Israeli President Isaac Herzog says.

'This is what a crime against humanity looks like'

'They will pay the price'

Netanyahu: We have again seen the monsters of Hamas

We will do everything to return all of our hostages, but Hamas will not be there. We will eliminate Hamas, and we will return our hostages,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promises.

Netanyahu: We have again seen the monsters of Hamas

Israeli government vs CNN:

No comparison between hostages and terrorists

Government Press Office responds to CNN headline equating convicted terrorists with Israeli civilians kidnapped by Hamas terrorists to Gaza. 'Narrative comparing hostages and prisoners runs contrary to every ethical standard of journalism.'

No comparison between hostages and terrorists

Wrapped in a tallit:

Sharon Sharabi meets his freed brother Eli, says 'Shema Yisrael'

Heartbreaking: Sharon Sharabi meets his brother Eli in Sheba Medical Center after Eli returns from Hamas captivity, wraps Eli in his tallit and says, 'Shema Yisrael.'

Sharon Sharabi meets his freed brother Eli, says 'Shema Yisrael'

Hamas' brutal show:

World horrified by hostages' condition, Hamas's show

British, US, and German representatives rush to condemn Hamas' cruel 'release ceremony,' note emaciated states of released hostages Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben-Ami, and Or Levy.

World horrified by hostages' condition, Hamas's show

Israel to mediators: 'We will not ignore this'

Gal Hirsch, Israeli Coordinator for the Hostages and Missing, promises that Israel will not ignore the conditions of released hostages Ohad Ben-Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy, who were filmed gaunt and pale at their 'release ceremony.'

Israel to mediators: 'We will not ignore this'

Eighty years later:

Medical source: 'Just like the Jews in concentration camps'

Health Ministry's General Medicine Division head responds to condition of returning hostages, says, 'We saw malnutrition which proves the horrors they suffered.'

Medical source: 'Just like the Jews in concentration camps'

Cost of the Deal:

These are the terrorists released today

In the fifth phase of the release, Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners from its jails. Among the prisoners released were 18 with life sentences.

These are the terrorists released today