Hostages

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed this evening (Tuesday) a successful operation in the heart of the Gaza Strip, during which a senior Hamas commander serving as the head of the organization's internal security apparatus was captured. Netanyahu noted that the detainee was directly involved in holding hostages and efforts to restore the organization's terrorist infrastructure.

The start of the school year brings with it this year, alongside the excitement, also pain and memory. In a personal and moving post, Lishi Lavi-Miran, wife of Omri Miran who was kidnapped to Gaza and released, shared the moment she saw her children starting the year alongside their father, and remembered those who do not get to do so.

Hostage survivor Elkana Bohbot and his wife Rivka revealed today, Monday, the name of their newborn daughter: Michel. The couple chose to share the news in a way that symbolizes a closing of the circle, recreating the sign Elkana held in the helicopter during his evacuation from the Re'im camp, now reading: "Rami, Dad, Mom and Michel are on the way!!".

Two years have passed since the news was cleared for publication regarding the murder in captivity of the six hostages in a tunnel in Rafah. The harrowing footage from the depths of the earth, the stories of heroism and camaraderie before the end — and the national wound that remains open. We remember Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Staff...

A tour conducted by the Minister of National Security within the walls of Damon Prison led to a tense meeting between him and security prisoners, who complained to him about the revocation of benefits and the worsening of their living conditions in recent months. Ben Gvir: "Whoever harms the citizens of Israel will not get a summer camp in prison."

Direct contacts to advance a hostage deal were conducted between a senior Shin Bet official and Ghazi Hamad of the Hamas leadership. Now revealed for the first time: the person who conducted the talks is the official responsible for captives and missing persons in the organization, Adi Rotem. In an interview, he tells about the secret channel, the criticism of the mediators, and clarifies...

About 550 days after his release from captivity, Omer Shem-Tov speaks in an interview about life in the shadow of his trauma and his new book, "Meeting myself in hell."

After going through everything, Elia Cohen and Ziv Avod finally managed to stand together under the chuppah. In their first joint interview as a married couple, they shared with Ofira Ohana-Sari about their relationship after captivity, the moments of trauma that still haunt Elia even today, and their choice to move forward despite everything.

Former hostage Avinatan Or, who spent 738 days in Hamas captivity, has announced the release of his book "Through the Earth." He was kidnapped on October 7 along with Noa Argamani.

A security source reported that the long-standing channel with senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad was renewed after October 7 and assisted in negotiations for the release of hostages. Hamad also served as a contact point during the negotiations for the Gilad Shalit deal.

During his captivity in Gaza, Omer Shem-Tov was held for 50 days in a tiny cell in total darkness. It was there, alone, starving, and unable to even stand on his feet, that he discovered strengths he didn't know he possessed. Now he is releasing the book "Meeting Myself in Hell," in which he writes about his overactive imagination, conversations with God, bouts of pain and hunger, and the belief...

The terrorist, Ismail Muhammad Ibrahim Barim, was eliminated in the Khan Yunis area; he was a commander in the organization's military wing. Recently, the terrorist promoted terror plots against IDF forces and citizens of the State of Israel and attempted to rehabilitate the organization's capabilities, while systematically violating the ceasefire. The strike was carried out with the aim of...

In a special interview with CNN, Evyatar David, who was released after more than two years in Hamas captivity, spoke about extreme starvation conditions, nightmares that continue to haunt him, and the complex struggle of the rehabilitation process. "They enjoyed food while we looked like skeletons," he shared.

Correspondence between Urich, Feldstein, and Topaz Luk reveals how, as early as the morning of October 7, the PM's circle was managing his public image: 'No suit, combat mode.' Later, they discussed how to prepare him for meetings with hostage families to appear 'interested,' attempted to sow discord between Yoav Gallant and Herzi Halevi to force the Chief of Staff's resignation, and dictated...

120 family members of hostages and soldiers have spoken out against the IAC organization's decision to feature Ron Dermer as the keynote speaker at three events next month, claiming he was one of the most influential voices opposing several hostage deals: "The decision is dismissive and disrespectful to families who paid a direct price for these decisions."

About two and a half years after being released from Hamas captivity, Clara Merman returned to the kibbutz. Today she is surrounded by old friends, excited about her new grandson, and engages in ceramics as part of her rehabilitation process. Alongside this, she warns against the developing security reality at the border: "We must not normalize kite terror and approaching the fence."

A small claims lawsuit was filed against the production company, claiming that the Prime Minister's presence was forced upon the audience. Simultaneously, protests from hostage relatives against the singer and Netanyahu are growing, with the mother of fallen soldier Ron Sherman calling to boycott Ben Zaken, and hostage survivor Agam Goldstein-Almog defining the event as a "spit in the face."

Tens of thousands participated last night in the central Selichot prayers at the Western Wall plaza, with the participation of captives survivors Noa Argamani, Itay Regev, Omer Shem-Tov, Bar Kupershtein, and the newlyweds Elia and Ziv Cohen. During the evening, the Rabbi of the Western Wall, together with the returnees and the crowd, recited a special prayer of thanksgiving for their return...

Tens of thousands of people participated on Saturday night in the central Selichot ceremony at the Western Wall plaza, held in the presence of hostage survivors. Among those present were Noa Argamani, Itay Regev, Omer Shem-Tov, Bar Kupershtein, Elia Cohen, and his wife, Ziv Cohen.

Eliya Cohen was in Hamas captivity while Ziv Avod fought for him globally, using her dresses as a symbol of the struggle. After severe injury, grueling rehabilitation, and dismantling emotional barriers, they stood together under the chuppah. "The picture of us standing here is our victory over the bad guys."

Dr. Maayan Sherman, whose son Ron (of blessed memory) was recovered from Hamas captivity, issues a sharp call to boycott a well-known singer who hosted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on stage during her performance.

Tsubhi Sami Mahmoud Shakhtat, a platoon commander in the Hamas military wing, invaded Israel during the October 7 massacre. According to the IDF, he recently attempted to advance terror plots against IDF forces and Israeli citizens. He was eliminated in a strike in Nuseirat.

The IDF announced today, Friday, that it eliminated Subhi Sami Mahmoud Shahat, a platoon commander in the Hamas military wing, in a strike in the Nuseirat area the day before yesterday. According to the army, Shahat infiltrated Israel during the October 7 massacre, was involved in holding hostages throughout the war, and participated in the ceremony of handing them over to the Red Cross in...

Agam Goldstein-Almog criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following his attendance at an Eden Ben Zaken concert. She noted that since her release from captivity, the Prime Minister has neither contacted her nor expressed condolences for her loss.

Dr. Zvika Mor, father of Eitan who returned from captivity and 4th on the Religious Zionism list, opens up about everything: from the creative ways his son survived the tunnels to his plan for a revolution in Israel's education and security systems.

In the tunnels of Gaza, Yair Horn would mentally construct lineups and quietly hum Hapoel Be'er Sheva songs to keep his sanity. Then came the release, the helicopter over the stadium, and the return to the stands that didn't feel complete while his brother Eitan remained behind. Only now, for the first time since October 7, the family is starting the season at full strength: 'Of course, we must...

From 505 days in captivity to a long-awaited celebration: hostage survivor Elia Cohen and his partner Ziv Avod wed this evening before 1,000 guests. A powerful symbol of resilience and victory.

Viki Cohen reveals what happened behind the scenes of the struggle to bring her son Nimrod back from Hamas captivity - from the initial shock, through the drawings, to the anxiety she felt moments before the deal was executed. "I always believed there was a higher power that would help me."

Three survivors of captivity, Bar Kuperstein, Eitan Mor, and Rom Braslavsky, visited the Nova festival site in Re'im to commemorate their security team colleague, Elyakim Libman. The three worked together providing security at the party and were kidnapped to the Gaza Strip during the attack.

What a spectacular sight: Yair Golan's "The Democrats" party presents us with a lesson in political integrity and the "use and discard" method. For years they used Einav Zangauker, turning her and her tragedy into the spearhead of the protest while her son was a hostage in Gaza.

Almost three years after being kidnapped to the Gaza Strip, Emily Damari recreated a dish yesterday that one of the terrorists used to make for her in captivity under subhuman conditions, using high-quality ingredients this time. She describes it as a "victory dish," a kind of pan-pizza without dough.

Dr. Zvika Mor says his son Eitan learned Arabic in captivity and now blends into Arab cafes, attacks the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, and claims Hamas saw the square as a pressure tool. Regarding Gaza, he states: "The only solution is settlement."

Almog Boker (Channel 12) and Eli Albag, father of observer soldier Liri Albag, were interviewed on 103fm following Boker's report on the observers in the Gaza envelope. Both addressed the fear that warnings from the field are once again not receiving an adequate response from the senior echelon.

The Donald Trump administration granted Israel historic backing and unlimited credit to defeat Hamas, but Jerusalem chose once again to stall, pursue partial agreements, and engage in fruitless diplomacy. Now, the price is becoming clear: a return to the same dangerous conception.

Muhammad Mushtaha, a company commander in the Shati Battalion, died of wounds sustained in an IDF airstrike. The terrorist was involved in the October 7th massacre and held hostages in the Gaza Strip.

Ruby, father of Staff Sergeant Itay Chen (of blessed memory), and Alon, father of Staff Sergeant Tamir Nimrodi (of blessed memory), dedicated two years of their lives to bringing their sons back. Their health deteriorated, their businesses collapsed - and then it turned out that the state has no answer for the unique situations created after October 7. Now they are demanding a unique package of...

The hostage survivor launched his moving work at a special performance in Kibbutz Nir Oz, which received close support from Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, which also decided to support businesses from the north and reservists.

While Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Katz boast of a determined security policy, Israel has returned to a reality of containment vis-à-vis Hamas and Hezbollah. Thus, Israel's security falls into the abyss between boastful words and a lack of response on the ground.

On October 7, Eli-a Cohen and Ziv Avod were in a shelter in Re'im. Ahead of their wedding, the two chose to honor Moshe Shapira, the father of Aner, who fought heroically in the shelter and deflected grenades thrown inside, thus saving many of those present with his own body. "For us, this is a full circle that is hard to describe in words," they said.

The entire country was moved this week by the performance of hostage survivor Sagi Dekel-Chen on stage. Singer Rita, who was given a place of honor at the performance, addressed the event and showered the survivor with love.

If Zangauker were truly perceived by party members as a leader they want to see in the Knesset, if they saw in her more than a useful tool for moments of protest, someone would have stood up, whether from the voters or the elected officials.

For nearly three years, the plaza served as the center of the families' struggle, and now the name that has taken root in the public is receiving official recognition. Mayor Ron Huldai noted that the decision is intended to ensure that this chapter is remembered for generations. The move cements the site's status as a national symbol of Israeli history and ongoing public struggle.

While parties are scrambling for votes, survivors of captivity find themselves asking for support. So here is a proposal for every Zionist party: not just support for reservists, eliminating Hamas, and universal conscription. A law for hostages and their families. But a real one.

18 women, relatives of fallen hostages whose bodies were returned from Gaza, set out on a journey in the mountains of Romania in an attempt to process the loss and return to breathing. Adi Goldin and Mushit Mansour tell about the pain, the neglect, and the struggle to rebuild their lives.

According to the source, information about Egypt did not only come from Qatar to the PM's advisors and through them to Israeli journalists, but the axis was also reversed. Qatar allegedly received leaks from classified meetings and used them. The security establishment feared that the smears against Cairo would endanger the peace treaty. Srulik Einhorn and Yonatan Urich: "The claims are false."

Maayan, mother of the soldier who was killed by an IDF strike while in Hamas captivity, wrote an angry post on Facebook. According to her, her daughter is enlisting in a combat unit, but if the "government of the massacre and the draft dodgers" remains in power, she will not send her and will ensure others do the same.

Avitan Or attended a music festival for the first time since his abduction and shared a poignant post online. He contrasted the darkness of his captivity with the light of the festival, emphasizing that goodness is something one must fight for.

The grieving father shared on social media a raw and devastating letter alongside a picture of his son, in which he shatters the cliché about the passage of time and admits he would give up everything for one more small moment.

Yarden Bibas marked today (Wednesday) the 7th birthday of his son Ariel, who was murdered in the October 7 massacre. The hostage survivor posted a heartbreaking message on his Instagram account: "Instead of celebrating your birthday, instead of going with Mom to buy things for your birthday party, I am sitting here next to you. In the only place where I feel closest to you."

The terrorist, Mahmoud Fatair, participated in the release "ceremonies" of many hostages, including Moran Stella Yanai, Itay Regev, Raz Ben-Ami, and Ofir Engel. He was eliminated over the weekend in Deir al-Balah.