Gaza hostages

Released Gaza hostage Eli Sharabi blasts Netanyahu's October 7 joke as 'disgrace'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joked in a Channel 14 interview that one of the things that had changed for him since October 7 was that he had “lost a little weight.”

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Eli Sharabi, a former hostage, holds a photograph of himself during his release by Hamas as he the United Nations Security Council in New York City, US, March 20, 2025
Kfar Azza faces the task of rebuilding its community.

Tekuma marks 1,000 days since Oct. 7 as final communities prepare to return

The Tekuma Administration, whose mandate ends in 2028, has advanced strategic projects with the aim of furthering long-term growth, the report read.

|ByLEO FEIERBERG BETTER
An illustration of Israelis attending a memorial service for the October 7 massacre in Hayarkon Park, Tel Aviv.

October 7 ceremony will be largest memorial event in Israel's history, founders say

The ceremony will be held on the evening of Wednesday, October 7, with the participation of hundreds of bereaved families, hostage survivors, and representatives of affected communities.

|ByMAARIV
Former lead hostage negotiations coordinator Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon speaks at the Reichman University Conference, Herzliya, July 1, 2026.

Gaza war could have ended a year earlier, achieved more Hamas disarmament, ex-hostage chief says

An overlong war led to huge unnecessary losses in fallen soldiers and the death of up to 40 hostages, former lead hostage negotiations coordinator Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon said.

|ByYONAH JEREMY BOB

Gal Hirsch faces backlash over Independence Day torch-lighting amid tax fraud trial

The prosecution filed charges against Hirsch and three other individuals in October 2021 for tax offenses in the "Defensive Shield" case.

APRIL 12, 2026ByGILAD MORAG
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gal Hirsch, Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing in the Prime Minister's Office hold a press conferene at the Prime Minister's office in Jerursalem, January 27, 2026.

Beersheba Family Court approves Iris Haim to use sperm of slain hostage son to have child

Iris Haim submitted the request several months ago - and argued that her son, Yotam Haim “saw bringing children into the world as the fulfillment of a significant personal dream."

APRIL 11, 2026ByYANIR YAGNA, URI SELA
Iris Haim and members of the "Shover Shivion" organization hold a press conference in Tel Aviv presening a new agreed proposal by Likud Central Committee members and protest-aligned academics to establish a commission of inquiry into the October 7 events. February 23, 2026.

Former Gaza hostage Rom Braslavski faces online attacks after criticizing Gal Hirsch

Former hostage Rom Braslavski wrote on social media that the choice to have Brig.-Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch light a torch at the Independence Day ceremony is “a slap in the face” to hostage families.

APRIL 11, 2026ByMIKI LEVIN
Former hostage Rom Braslavski at the Israeli Premier League match between Maccabi Netanya and Beitar Jerusalem at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on November 30, 2025.

Argentina’s Milei to light torch at Israel’s 78th Independence Day ceremony

Argentina President Javier Milei will light a torch at Israel’s 78th Independence Day ceremony, with Regev citing his strong support for Israel and fight against antisemitism.

APRIL 10, 2026BySHOSHANA BAKER, ARIELLA ROITMAN
A TORCH burns on Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl.

'They broke my leg for what happened in Sde Teiman': Bar Kupershtein recounts Hamas brutality

"They took Yosef Chaim Ohana and me, and broke my leg. They said that it was because of Netanyahu, Ben Gvir, because of Sde Teiman," Kupershtein said in an interview for KAN Reshet Bet.

APRIL 5, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Bar Kupershtein acknowledges those welcoming him as he comes home last month, in Holon, after his release from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The return of the hostages restored our breath, says the writer.

On Passover, former Gaza hostages say freedom 'takes on a different meaning' - interview

Former hostages David Cunio and Keith Siegel return home, discovering a deeper, personal meaning of freedom this Passover.

APRIL 1, 2026ByHANNAH BROWN
Released hostage David Cunio is greeted as he returns to his home in Yavne, last October.

'Helplessness, uncontrollable fear': Romi Gonen shares how Iran war brings back Gaza trauma

“Notice the people outside who need help,” she wrote. “The siren caught me twice on the road, and it immediately threw me back into helplessness and uncontrollable fear.”

MARCH 29, 2026ByURI SELA
Former hostage Romi Gonen speaks to Channel 12's "Uvda" about her experiences in Hamas's terror captivity, December 25, 2025.

Freed Gaza hostages relive trauma as Iran war sirens trigger captivity memories

“We will live with captivity for the rest of our lives," former hostage Luis Har said.

MARCH 19, 2026ByURI SELA
Luis Har.

For former Gaza hostage Elkana Bohbot, this war with Iran is different - interview

Being at home with family when Operation Rising Lion began felt like a privilege in comparison to the tunnels of Gaza, former Hamas hostage Elkana Bohbot told Maariv.

MARCH 13, 2026ByDUDI PATIMER
Portrait of Elkana Bohbot who was held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza and released a few months ago. February 12, 2026.

WATCH: 'I screamed in pain': Former hostage Matan Angrest says Hamas terrorists electrocuted him

Former Gaza hostage Matan Angrest told Channel 12's 'Uvda' about his captivity, including Hamas torture, the loss of his tank crew, bonding with fellow hostage Gali Berman, and his eventual release.

FEBRUARY 27, 2026ByJAMES GENN
Former hostage Matan Angrest speaks to Channel 12's 'Uvda' about his experience in Hamas terror captivity, including torture, broadcast on February 26, 2026.