Hostage Deal

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.

Former lead hostage negotiations coordinator Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon speaks at the Reichman University Conference, Herzliya, July 1, 2026.
RELEASED ISRAELI hostage Omri Miran, with his father Dani, October 28, 2025.

'You don't protect me': Former hostage's father shouts at Smotrich mid-speech

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich holds a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, May 19, 2026.

Smotrich claims hostages returned thanks to his opposition to earlier Gaza deal

 Protesters gather outside Sde Teiman detention facility after some of them broke in, after Israeli military police arrived at the site as part of an investigation into the suspected abuse of a Palestinian detainee, near Beersheba, in southern Israel, July 29, 2024.

Israel was unprepared for 10,000 Palestinian security prisoners during war, report finds


Forensic Institute head explains how slain Gaza hostages identified

In addition to identifying hostages, Institute of Forensic Medicine Director Dr. Chen Kugel spoke about the moment he found himself identifying the body of Hamas terrorist leader Yahya Sinwar.

Doctor Chen Kugel, head of Israel National Center of Forensic Medicine and his colleague, pass through a police cordon as they enter China's ambassador to Israel, Du Wei's house in Herzliya, near Tel Aviv, Israel May 17, 2020.

Hamas claims remains of slain hostage Hadar Goldin were recovered in Rafah, Al Jazeera reports

Following the Al Jazeera report, a security source confirmed to Maariv that hostage remains were being recovered by the terror group from the Israeli-controlled side of the Yellow Line.

A picture of Hadar Goldin is displayed during a protes at Hostage Square, November 8, 2025.

Lior Rudaeff, the grandfather who died protecting his community, returns home

A husband, father, and grandfather, longtime Nir Yitzhak resident Lior Rudaeff was a member of the kibbutz’s response team when he was murdered by Palestinian Islamic Jihad on October 7, 2023.

Lior Rudaeff

Starved, blindfolded, beaten: Ex-hostage Rom Braslavski recalls torture in captivity

Braslavski's captors significantly worsened his situation in March 2025, after the second ceasefire deal concluded.

Released Israeli hostage, Rom Braslavski, during an interview for Channel 13.

IDF confirms that hostage remains returned last night belong to 'man of the land' Lior Rudaeff

"Lior was a man of the land, family, and community. A volunteer, a neighbor, and a true friend who was always there for everyone," Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak wrote in a statement.

Sgt.-Maj. (Res.) Lior Rudaeff.

'Today you are finally home': Oz Daniel laid to rest after two years in Hamas captivity

Thousands of people, including family, friends, and military officials, gathered Thursday for Sergeant Major Oz Daniel's funeral. Attendees included President Herzog, MK Benny Gantz, Gal Hirsch.

Family and friends attend the funeral of Israeli soldier Oz Daniel, at the military cemetery in Kfar Saba, February, 2024.

US convenes UNSC, submits resolution regarding Gaza force, Israel not informed beforehand, NSC says

The resolution, submitted by the US with the objective of establishing the International Stabilization Force in Gaza, has not yet been discussed in Israel.

US Ambassador to United Nations Michael Waltz, September 23, 2025.

WATCH: IDF confirms death of Hamas terrorist who held six hostages

Zaid Zaki Abd al-Hadi was killed during a strike conducted on October 29, 2025, thanks to a joint operation by the IDF and the Shin Bet.

Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

IDF denies it has information linking slain hostage Lt. Goldin to Rafah tunnel holding terrrorists

According to the report, this is the main reason why the IDF and Israel's leadership have refrained from striking that position.

Sec.-Lt. Hadar Goldin.

Hostage remains identified as Itay Chen, last Israeli-American hostage held in Gaza

Notably, this leaves Hadar Goldin as the last remaining murdered hostage who was taken during active IDF service.

Staff-Sergeant Itay Chen.