A period of rehabilitation awaits him
Freed hostage Omer Wenkert: "I'm still me - but I am overwhelmed and struggling to process everything"
•news-israel•15
Hostage Deal
Ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages taken on October 7, 2023, involving international mediators and complex ceasefire proposals
The Hostage Deal refers to ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas for the release of civilians and soldiers taken captive during the October 7, 2023 attack. These complex diplomatic efforts involve multiple international mediators, including Qatar and the United States, and are intertwined with broader ceasefire proposals and humanitarian considerations in Gaza.
Recent developments in 2025 have seen various proposals, including the "Witkoff Framework" which proposes a phased release of hostages over a 60-day ceasefire period. The negotiations have been marked by intense debate within Israel's government, with some officials advocating for military pressure while others push for diplomatic solutions to secure the hostages' return.
The deal discussions have centered around several key components: the number of hostages to be released, the length of any ceasefire, the scale of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has maintained specific demands, including a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli military withdrawal, while Israel insists on the return of all hostages while preserving its security objectives.
Families of the hostages have played a crucial role in shaping public discourse around the negotiations. Their testimonies, protests, and advocacy have kept the issue at the forefront of national attention, with many calling for immediate action to secure their loved ones' release. Released hostages have provided valuable insights into the conditions of captivity, strengthening the urgency of reaching an agreement.
International involvement has been significant, with U.S. President Trump and regional leaders actively participating in mediation efforts. The negotiations have become increasingly complex due to regional developments, including tensions with Iran and broader Middle East diplomatic initiatives.
Controversial Exchange of Hostage Bodies and Prisoners Starts Tonight
Israel confirms: This is when the 4 deceased hostages are being returned to Israel
Breaking news: The bodies of four slain Israeli hostages are set to be released tonight with both Israel and Hamas confirming the set time. The bodies are expected to be transferred through Egypt and ultimately brought to Israel.
Eliana Fleming
15
15:13
Then and now
The color orange: From Gush Katif’s defiance to a Nation’s requiem
•opinions•Gila Isaacson
Horrific tragedy
Three generations lost: The Bibas family's agony ends in grief at an Israeli cemetery
•news-israel•10
Incredible courage in the face of devastating loss
Yarden Bibas' heartbreaking eulogy for his family: "I'm sorry I didn't protect you better"
•news-israel•5
602 Terrorists freed for 4 bodies – crisis negotiation deal finalized
•news•40
A challenge and a mirror
IDF Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter reveals hard truths about Israel post-Oct 7
•news-israel•10
Baruch Dayan HaEmet
Yocheved Lifshitz eulogizes her husband Oded, "We were betrayed by those we spent our lives helping"
•news-israel•5
Hope and Fear
A month after captivity, Romi Gonen undergoes hand surgery
•news-israel•5
Media Coverage Gave Me Strength
Freed hostage Agam Berger breaks her silence: October 7th should never have happened
•news-israel
Unshakable faith
Father of ex-hostage Eliya Cohen: "The terrorists didn’t touch him - it was a miracle"
•news-israel
Much deserved
See ex-hostage Emily Damari’s jaw-dropping luxury gift
•news-israel•5
How could we let this happen?
Hamas rising from the rubble: Rebuilding stronger than ever
•news-israel•5
Buying time
Israel pushes for 42-day extension to free more hostages
•news-israel•10
Israel’s supreme court just handed Hamas Its biggest victory yet
•opinions•Yair Kleinbaum •25
Hamas wants to send hostage bodies to Egypt?!
Bizarre Proposal: Hamas' latest negotiation details revealed
•news-israel•5
Oded Ben Ami’s Powerful Message of Faith and Strength to Israel
Watch: Former Hostage Ohad Ben Ami’s emotional message to Israel - "Faith made me stronger"
•news-israel•10
A Pair of Tefillin, A Promise of Return
How Hostage Eliya Cohen's hidden tefillin inspired a nation
•news-israel•5
Finally, Some Good News
Report: Hamas to release two slain hostages in next few hours, no confirmation from Israel
•news-israel•5
Handling the Gordian Knot
Gideon Sa'ar: We don't rule out extending ceasefire for more hostages
•news-israel