prisoner swap

Watch: Eli Sharabi arrives at hospital, wrapped in Israeli flag

Released hostage Eli Sharabi arrives at Sheba Medical Center, walking erect and wrapped in an Israeli flag.

Or Levy meets his family: 'We waited so long for you, sweetie'

Watch the moving moments when released hostage Or Levy first meets his family in Sheba Medical Center.

Ohad Ben-Ami after his release: 'I have a ton to make up'

Watch the emotional reunification of Ohad Ben-Ami with his daughters and brother, after he and his wife arrive at Ichilov Hospital.

Thin and pale:

Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben-Ami released from captivity

The Hamas terror group held a cynical 'ceremony' leading Ohad Ben-Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy onto a stage in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

Israel waits for names of fifth group of hostages to be released

Israel waiting for Hamas to announce names of hostages to be released Saturday, as Hamas fumes over Trump announcement and Israeli delegation readies for talks in Qatar.

Minister Karhi estimates:

Hamas won't complete hostage deal

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi says Attorney General may be fired soon, Hamas unlikely to return the last of the hostages.

Gallant accuses:

Government didn't do everything possible to bring back hostages

Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says agreement with Hamas was signed too late, Israel 'could have had the same deal with more hostages, at a lower price.'

Steve Witkoff:

We're focused on returning the hostages, it's a complicated deal

US envoy Steve Witkoff says Trump administration trying to ensure deal with Hamas is fully implemented, calls for Gazans to emigrate since there's 'nothing left' in Gaza.

Minister Orit Strock:

'I oppose the deal - deal with it without demonization'

'A large portion of the nation opposes hostage deal, deal with our position without delegitimizing it or demonizing us, allow discourse on all components of this difficult decision,' Settlement Minister Orit Strock urges Israelis.

Hamas official:

We're holding two senior IDF officers hostage

Negotiations for second stage of deal to focus on IDF's full withdrawal from Gaza, permanent ceasefire, and preventing resumption of fighting, Hamas tells mediators.

Bibas family:

Yarden is asking about Shiri and the kids & we don't have answers

Family of released hostage Yarden Bibas speaks to media about his condition, calls on government to act to free his wife Shiri and children Ariel and Kfir.

Yarden Bibas was held alone, lied to about his family's fate

The Hamas terrorists holding hostage Yarden Bibas refused to allow him to stay with other hostages, allowing him out of the tunnel only once a day to eat; he lost 15 kilograms during his time in captivity.

Despite Netanyahu's promise:

Palestinian Authority involved in control of Rafah Crossing

The Palestinian Authority is operating the Rafah Crossing between Israel and Gaza, alongside international bodies. 'The Prime Minister caved in.'

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.

Senior military source:

Most of the terrorists released in the deal returned to terror

According to information from the defense echelon, at least two of the terrorists released in November 2023 were eliminated in the antiterror operation in Jenin, and dozens others were arrested.

Bereaved families:

Cancel shipments of terrorists abroad

Bereaved families from the Almagor Terror Victims Association‎ call on Cabinet ministers to stop the release of terrorists to foreign countries. 'Terrible mistake that began with a pathetic decision.'

Strike in Samaria:

One of the eliminated terrorists was freed in Nov. 2023 deal

Terrorist Abed Aluna, one of the terrorists eliminated Saturday in a vehicle strike, was released from prison during the first prisoner swap deal in November 2023.

Ahead of the second stage:

Netanyahu's dramatic decision

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer to head negotiations team for second stage of prisoner swap deal with Hamas, report says. PM's Office: 'Decisions on negotiations to be made only after PM returns from US.'

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.'

Defense Min. threatens:

'One mistake - and you'll meet old friends'

Defense Minister Israel Katz warns terrorist Zakaria Zubeidi, released in prisoner swap deal, not to incite or participate in terror. 'One mistake, and you'll go to join old friends. We will not accept support for terror.'

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.

Rafah Crossing to open today

Crossing between Egypt and Gaza to open today instead of Sunday after the opening was moved up two days.

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.

'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.'

Two terrorists refuse release, preferring to remain in prison

After two terrorists refuse offer of release, one is persuaded to board bus to Gaza while the other steadfastly insists on remaining in prison.

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.'

Orit Mark Ettinger:

Those responsible for murder go free - my heart hurts

Orit Mark Ettinger, daughter of Rabbi Miki Mark and sister of fallen soldier Pedaya, expresses deep pain at the release of two of the terrorists responsible for her father's murder.

'I love you'

Watch: Liri Albag thanks the nation and the soldiers

Released hostage Liri Albag thanks her country and the soldiers immediately following her release.

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.'

Face of Evil:

200 terrorists released from prison

200 security prisoners were released today, including 121 serving life sentences. 70 were deported to Egypt, with others returned to Judea, Samaria, and Gaza.

Netanyahu to Liri Albag's parents:

'We embrace Liri and her friends, this is truly a great day'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with Shira and Eli Albag, parents of released hostage Liri Albag. Watch.

'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.'

Watch:

Liri, Karina, Daniella, and Naama reunite with their parents

Watch the emotional reunion between released hostages Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, and Karina Ariev, as they meet their parents at an initial reception point immediately upon arrival in Israel

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.

'It's a second Disengagement'

Chabad rabbi speaks out against haredi support for Hamas deal

Rabbi Yosef Gerlitzky speaks out against ceasefire deal with Hamas, compares it to 2005 Disengagement from Gaza. 'This deal is a true threat to life.'

Security source on Jenin operation:

If Zakaria Zubeidi holds a weapon, he'll be eliminated

Security source responds to release of Gilboa prison break mastermind in Hamas ceasefire deal, warns Jenin operation 'will not end soon.'

Hamas official: Netanyahu caved

Bassem Naim, senior Hamas leader, claims Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 'surrender' to Hamas demands for ceasefire caused by internal pressure on Israeli government.

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.

MK Tzivka Foghel:

'I'm not seeking jobs, and won't leave Otzma Yehudit'

MK Tzvika Foghel speaks about his party's decision to quit the government, stresses that he 'did not join politics for embraces, support, or jobs.'

Rabbi Yaakov Medan:

I would've voted against the deal, but remained in the government

Rabbi Yaakov Medan, dean of the Har Etzion Yeshiva, expresses support for Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's decision on ceasefire deal with Hamas. 'I oppose the deal but I'm not sure there was another alternative.'

'I came back to life'

Emily Damari's moving post: Thanks be to G-d, I'm so happy to be

Emily Damari, released Sunday night from Hamas captivity, pens moving first social media post: 'You've shattered my heart from emotion. I've come back to life, my loved ones.'