Gaza hostages

Gazan lawyer warns Hamas will drag Gaza 'back into the abyss' in Washington Post op-ed

As a long-time member of Gaza's "underground civil society movement," Natour explained that he has spent years preparing for the moment the "cycle of war with Israel" could be broken.

Hamas member stands guard as people gather to watch Red Cross vehicles transporting hostages, following their handover as part of a ceasefire and hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in the central Gaza Strip, October 13, 2025.
TAMIR ADAR was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. Having fought to defend his family and community, he was severely wounded and did not survive.

Who was Tamir Adar, the Nir Oz kibbutznik who fought bravely on October 7? - explainer

Arie Zalamanowicz

Who was Arie Zalamanowicz, kibbutz Nir Oz founder killed by Hamas captors in Gaza? - explainer

Former Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot reacts as he returns home after leaving the hospital, following his release from captivity in Gaza, in Mevaseret Zion, Israel, October 19, 2025.

'Beaten brutally in Gaza': Mother of ex-hostage Elkana Bohbot shares story of son's captivity


‘We’re still struggling’: Hostage families call for more government support

Families of released and killed hostages told lawmakers they’re still without adequate financial and psychological support, urging the government to act.

Freed hostages Brothers Gali Berman and Ziv Berman arrive to their home in Kibbutz Beit Guvrin, October 19, 2025.

Hundreds greet released hostage Avinatan Or upon arrival in his West Bank town

“We’re so moved to see you here in Samaria, a free Jew with your head held high. We’re here to win together! Am Yisrael Chai!” Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, told him.

Avinatan Or returns home to hundreds cheering for him, October 21, 2025.

Released hostages meet with US envoys Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner

On Tuesday, several recently freed Israeli hostages met in Tel Aviv with US Special Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff and former senior White House adviser Jared Kushner.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff speaks at the weekly rally at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, October 11, 2025.

Freed hostages enjoy secret, late-night private shopping trip at Ayalon Mall

"All workers and anyone present were required to maintain confidentiality," an individual present during the visit told N12 News. "The entire visit was kept under wraps to respect their privacy."

A general view of Ayalon Mall in Bnei-Brak.

Omer Adam honors freed hostages at sold-out show at NYC's Madison Square Garden

Adam, 32, opened the show by leading the crowd in singing a traditional Jewish melody, “Vehi She’amda,” or “And it is this that has sustained us.”

Omer Adam perform at Hostage square in Tel Aviv, in  February

After the hostage release: The world must remember what it knew - opinion

The hostages’ return is a moment of grace, but only conscience can heal the world.

THE WRITER addresses an Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation event in New York earlier this year, marking 25 years of the foundation. He condemns those who equate Gaza’s suffering with the Holocaust, weaponizing Jewish trauma to vilify Israel.

Equating Palestinian prisoners, Israeli hostages: The necessity of having a moral compass - opinion

In truth, it doesn’t take much thought to come to the conclusion that violence, as a means to accomplish one’s personal aspirations, is always wrong and always evil.

People attend a protest at “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv, calling for the release of Israelis held by Hamas, October 18, 2025.

The Diaspora is linked to Israel’s destiny - opinion

This Diaspora Jewish connection to Israel is deeper than we are led to believe. 

AVINATAN OR arrives at Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus after his release from captivity in Gaza last week. The October 7 massacre created a sense of collective belonging for many, the writer asserts.

Beyond the headlines: What the freed hostages teach us about Jewish resilience - opinion

A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news.

Einav Zangauker at celebrations at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv as negotiators sign deal freeing all hostages from Gaza, October 09, 2025.

'No words to describe whirlwind of emotions': Daughter eulogizes slain hostage Eliyahu Margalit

Margalit was killed on October 7 while feeding his horses in the kibbutz stables.

Released hostage Eliyahu Margalit.

Next PM of Gaza? Tony Blair can be part of Gaza peace process, ex-spokesman says - interview

Alastair Campbell, who worked with Blair as spokesman, press secretary, and director of communications and strategy, says that Blair "can’t accept that some places are destined to be at war forever."

Sir Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister, Ed Miliband, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and Alastair Campbell, December 19, 2023.