Elizabeth Tsurkov

Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah to release abducted American journalist Shelly Kittleson

Middle East news site Al-Monitor said Kittleson was a US freelance journalist based in Rome who had covered several wars in the region and had contributed articles to the outlet.

US journalist Shelly Kittleson poses for a picture in Baghdad on March 31, 2026.
A damaged site, following an Israeli raid on Friday, according to Syrian state media, in Beit Jinn, Syria November 28, 2025.

Israel's policy in Syria is 'rudderless,' Syria expert Elizabeth Tsurkov tells 'Post'

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

'Go to Gaza,' freed Iraqi captive Elizabeth Tsurkov tells Israeli journalist Amit Segal

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

'Kataib Hezbollah used me as a punching bag,' Tsurkov says in first interview since release


Israel at War Day 705: What's happening in Gaza, Yemen?

UN Security Council to meet to discuss Israel's strike on Qatar • IDF demolishes homes of two terrorists in West Bank • Trump 'not thrilled' about Qatar strike

A fire ball rises from the site of a previous Israeli air strike in Sanaa, Yemen August 24, 2025.

Elizabeth Tsurkov to be returned to Israel soon after being released, source tells 'Post'

US President Donald Trump announced that Israeli-Russian citizen Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton student, was released by Kata'ib Hezbollah on Tuesday evening. 

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

Trump's tariffs might up pressure on Iraq to release Elizabeth Tsurkov - analysis

Elizabeth Tsurkov has been held in Iraq for over 860 days after being kidnapped by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia. US tariffs aim to secure her freedom.

US President Donald Trump speaks to the press as he arrives at the White House in Washington, DC, US, July 13, 2025.

Reports of deal to release Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov 'false,' official tells 'Post'

According to the proposed deal, Tsurkov's release would be in exchange for the release of an Iranian detainee in Iraq along with six other individuals.

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

Sister of Israeli held hostage in Iraq meets with US hostage envoy Boehler

Elizabeth was kidnapped in March 2023 and is being held by the Shi’ite militia Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq.

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

Israeli Elizabeth Tsurkov must be freed from Iraq, US Congressman Hamadeh says

“Elizabeth’s barbaric, inhumane treatment must end,” Congressman Abraham Hamadeh said.

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

Will Iraq release Elizabeth Tsurkov two years after her kidnapping? - analysis

Russian-Israeli researcher citizenship was kidnapped by Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah in Baghdad in March 2023.

 Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped in Iraq earlier this year by Iranian-backed terrorist group Kataib Hezbollah.

Trump pushes Iraq to release Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov - report

The US urged Iraq to secure the release of Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov, warning of political and economic consequences if she remains captive, according to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

 Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped in Iraq earlier this year by Iranian-backed terrorist group Kataib Hezbollah.

Iraq must return Israeli hostage Elizabeth Tzurkov or else, US hostage envoy warns

"If Elizabeth Tsurkov does not come home NOW, then the Iraqi Prime Minister is either incapable and should be fired or, worse, complicit," Boehler said.

 Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped in Iraq earlier this year by Iranian-backed terrorist group Kataib Hezbollah.

Iraqi militias eager for three-way hostage exchange for Israeli-Russian Elizabeth Tsurkov - report

Elizabeth Tsurkov disappeared in March 2023, with Kataib Hezbollah, an organization closely associated with Iran, being blamed for the kidnapping.

 Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped in Iraq earlier this year by Iranian-backed terrorist group Kataib Hezbollah.