Gaza hostages

Netanyahu claims IDF Gaza losses due to lack of ammunition, Trump improved situation

At a joint conference with Hostage Coordinator Gal Hirsch, Netanyahu pointed out that, for the first time in 12 years, there are no hostages being held in the Gaza Strip. 

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the press following Ran Gvili's return to Israel on January 27, 2026.
People walk past a wall displaying posters of hostages, in Tel Aviv, Israel, August 18, 2024

Bring them all home: Israel's 12-year fight to ensure every hostage is rescued from Gaza - feature

To celebrate this day and honor those who have fallen, The Jerusalem Post has created a timeline in remembrance of the national struggle to finally bring every hostage home.

|BySHIR PERETS
IDF troops surround slain hostage Ran Gvili's remains.

WATCH: IDF releases footage, pictures from Ran Gvili rescue mission

The IDF found the remains of the last Israeli hostage from the October 7 invasion, St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili, on Monday at around 2:00 p.m. at al-Batesh cemetery in northern Gaza

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
The yellow ribbon pin became a ubiquitous symbol for solidarity with the hostages held by Hamas.

Jewish world marks first day with no hostages in Gaza by shedding symbols of support

The return of Ran Gvili’s body on Monday ended a two-and-a-half-year advocacy campaign to return the roughly 250 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

|ByPHILISSA CRAMER/JTA

WATCH: Hostages Square countdown clock stopped after 843 days

Gvili's return marks the end of the saga of returning all live and deceased hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. 

JANUARY 27, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
The countdown clock in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, seen after it was stopped on January 27, 2026.

'No reasonable person can get used to it': IDF commander on recovering Gvili's remains - interview

Gvili was killed in battle fighting infiltrating Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, after saving the lives of partygoers fleeing the Nova music festival in Re’im and defending Kibbutz Alumim.

JANUARY 27, 2026ByMAYA ZANGER-NADIS
Israeli military forces search for the remains of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili in a Gaza City cemetery on Jan. 25, 2026.

With no more hostages in Gaza, Israel can begin to move forward - editorial

Something fundamental has shifted, allowing Israel to start thinking about turning a page.

JANUARY 27, 2026ByJPOST EDITORIAL
Israeli police officers and others ride their motorbikes towards the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, as the body of last Israeli hostage arrives by ambulance in Tel Aviv on January 26, 2026.

No one left behind, Israel completes hostage recovery - comment

After 843 days, Israel has accounted for every hostage taken on October 7, bringing home the living and the fallen at immense cost.

JANUARY 26, 2026ByHERB KEINON
Thousands gather at Hostage Square to celebrate the return of the hostages, October 13, 2025. We have rejoiced alongside their families, who spent two years trapped in a waking nightmare.

'Hero of Kibbutz Alumim': Israel reacts to news of final hostage Ran Gvili's return

Leaders across Israel paid tribute as the remains of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili were brought home, closing the chapter of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

JANUARY 26, 2026ByJAMES GENN
Itzik Gvili, father of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili, places his hands on the coffin containing his son's remains, January 26, 2026.

'Just wanted to serve the country': The story of Gaza hostage St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili - explainer

The IDF recovered the body of Staff Sgt Maj Ran Gvili from Gaza, more than two years after he was killed fighting Hamas on October 7.

JANUARY 26, 2026ByLEO FEIERBERG BETTER
St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili

Former Hamas hostage shares preview of new song one year after release from captivity

"I can't believe that the moment has finally arrived when I get to share share something of mine, finally my voice can be heard and I don't need to whisper anymore, don't need to fear," Gilboa wrote.

JANUARY 26, 2026ByTZVI JASPER
FORMER HOSTAGE Daniella Gilboa previews her new song in an Instagram post, January 25, 2026.

No second phase without the return of Ran Gvili's remains - editorial

The return of fallen hostages is not a secondary issue to be postponed; it is a core obligation. Israel and the US should not allow themselves to be trapped in that pattern again.

JANUARY 22, 2026ByJPOST EDITORIAL
Posters of Ran Gvili, whose body is still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza, seen at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. December 02, 2025.

Brother of former hostage Avera Mengitsu missing, police ask public for help with search

Ashgara Mengistu, a 34-year-old resident of Ashkelon, left his mother's home in Ma'ale Adumim on Sunday and hasn't been seen since, the police reported.

JANUARY 21, 2026ByTOBIAS HOLCMAN
Ashgara Mengistu, Avera Mengitsu's brother, is missing.

Noam Bettan wins Next Star reality show, to represent Israel at Eurovision 2026

Noam Bettan wins Next Star for Eurovision and prepares to showcase his soulful performance for Israel on the world stage in Vienna.

JANUARY 21, 2026ByHANNAH BROWN
Noam Bettan will represent Israel at Eurovision 2026.