Hostage Deal
Since the October 7 massacre, hundreds of Israelis were taken hostage by Hamas and were held captive in the Gaza Strip. While many of the hostages have either been freed, rescued, or killed, many still remain in captivity. The hostage deal is a hypothetical agreement between Israel and Hamas that would see the hostages, living and dead, released from captivity back to Israel.
Such a deal was implemented in the early days of the war, in November 2023, where many hostages were released over the course of a few days. A much longer one was implemented in early 2025, which saw many hostages released from captivity in exchange for the release of high numbers of Palestinian security prisoners.
Rubio stresses commitment to Gaza ceasefire, returning hostages in meeting with families
The US and Israeli negotiating teams departed Qatar on Thursday to continue consultations in their respective countries.
Doha talks fell flat over hostage exchange, IDF withdrawal, Hamas source tells CNN
WATCH: Formerly kidnapped IDF observers urge public to 'do everything' for the hostages's release
IDF announces resumption of aid drops into Gaza, soldier succumbs to wounds from battle in Gaza
Emily Damari opens up about abuse experience in captivity, suicide pact with fellow hostage
Emily Damari told the Daily Mail about her suicide pact with Romi Gonen, and the abuses she experienced in Hamas captivity.
Hamas official says terror group 'surprised' by US accusation, asserts ready to resume talks
Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said the issue of the hostages "had not yet been discussed in the Doha negotiations, stressing that it 'was supposed to be discussed next week.'"
US envoy Witkoff to meet Israeli, Qatari officials in Rome for hostage deal talks
If sufficient progress is made, Witkoff will travel from Rome to Doha towards the end of the week to secure a deal, according to reports.
Hamas claims group submitted ceasefire response, anti-Druze, antisemitic hate speech online rises
Canada calls for immediate UN-aid resumption • Rubio discusses Syrian ceasefire, Gaza Strip, West Bank security situation with Jordanian counterpart
WATCH: Former hostages meet Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot met with former hostages Doron Steinbrecher, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Moran Stella Yanai, and Ilana Gritzewsky.
PIJ claims it lost contact with terrorists holding hostage Rom Braslavski
The Braslavski family said in a statement that Israeli officials were refusing to meet with them and provide updates on Rom's condition.
The Netanyahu-Trump dynamic: What aides say amid hope for a hostage deal - opinion
According to aides, Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump regularly have difficulties figuring each other out.
Mediators say 'blame will lie fully with Hamas' should ceasefire deal talks fall apart - report
Senior Hamas officials in Doha are reportedly inclined to support the deal on the table, but no response has been received from Hamas's military leadership in Gaza, N12 noted.
Why do hostage families fear the IDF's reinvasion of Deir al-Balah, despite past ops.? - analysis
On Sunday, the IDF issued evacuation orders for the Deir al-Balah central Gaza area, a reliable sign that the IDF intends to attack an area more aggressively, often with a full-scale invasion.
Hostage families warn IDF against op. in areas where hostages may be
The IDF issued an evacuation warning for residents in the southwestern area of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, an area the IDF has not operated in before.
'We can save the next family from the worst': Former hostages rally on horseback at Nir Oz
Some freed hostages, as well as family members of captives, attended a horse rally at Kibbutz Nir Oz to honor those still in Gaza.
