Hostage Deal

Smotrich, Netanyahu quarrel over law banning release of senior terrorists during exchange deals

The absence of such a law places "every Israeli citizen, at home and abroad, under a real threat of abduction," argued Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Finance Minister and Head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, February 16, 2026.
MEMBERS OF the Hostages and Missing Families Forum hold a vigil in London for the one-year anniversary of the October 7 massacre, on October 7, 2024,

Lessons from Hostages Forum: Making a Jewish movement for peace, equality - opinion

Released Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen at the funeral of Israeli soldier Staff Sgt. Daniel Oz, at the military cemetery in Kfar Saba.

Former hostage Nimrod Cohen announces return to IDF: 'Didn't do enough during my mandatory service'

Opposition head Yair Lapid and Yesh Atid MKs arrive for a court hearing at the Supreme Court on a petition against the transfer of funds to ultra-Orthodox educational institutions, January 8, 2026

Yair Lapid held undisclosed meetings with Qatari officials to discuss Gaza hostages situation


Hadar Goldin’s parents, Israeli officials, welcome slain soldier's return

The Goldin family hopes that Hadar will remain a symbol, adding that they fought for camaraderie, a burial in Israel, and human dignity. Israeli political and military officials also eulogized him.

IDF soldiers who served with Lt. Hadar Goldin in 2014 form an honor guard over his coffin upon its return to Israel after over 11 years in Hamas captivity, November 9, 2025.

Deceased hostage Lt. Hadar Goldin identified at forensic institute, PMO confirms

The National Institute of Forensic Medicine identified the Gaza hostage returned on Sunday as Lt. Hadar Goldin, who had been held in Gaza since 2014.

IDF honor guard stands over the coffin of Lt. Hadar Goldin after his return from 11 years of captivity in Gaza, November 9, 2025.

Gaza border communities fear 'return to October 6 policy' as Hamas violates ceasefire - N12

In an online forum, citizens of the Gaza Envelope are concerned that the situation will grow worse, and are demanding a discussion in the Knesset.

Homes in kibbutz Nir Oz, southern Israel, which were burned and runied during the October 7 massacre, August 7, 2025.

Kibbutz Nir Oz closes chapter as last hostage returns, continues to await remaining hostages

“We will still continue to stand by the families who are also waiting for the end of their circle,” said the kibbutz spokesperson in a statement.

Mourners lay slain hostage Amiram Cooper to rest on November 2, 2025.

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.