Israeli hostages

April 2, 2025 2:03 PM

Israel to expand Gaza military operation with large-scale evacuations

Israel announced a major expansion of military operations in Gaza on Wednesday, saying large areas of the enclave would be seized and added to its security zones, accompanied by large-scale evacuations of the population. Israeli leaders have been encouraged by signs of protest in Gaza against Hamas, the militant group that has controlled the enclave since 2007, and the expanded operation appeared at least partly aimed at increasing civilian pressure on its leaders. In a statement, Defence Mini...

March 10, 2025 1:34 PM

Hamas says talks with US focused on release of American hostage in Gaza

Meetings between Hamas leaders and U.S. hostage negotiator Adam Boehler in recent days focused on the release of an American-Israeli dual national being held by the militant group in Gaza, a senior Hamas official told Reuters on Sunday. Taher Al-Nono, political adviser to the leader of the Palestinian group, confirmed the unprecedented, direct talks with Washington in the Qatari capital over the past week. "Several meetings have already taken place in Doha, focusing on releasing one of the dua...

January 26, 2025 7:03 AM

Israel-Hamas ceasefire: Freed Israeli hostages reunite with families

Four Israeli soldiers freed from Hamas captivity were finally reunited with their families in the latest round of releases under the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. The freed hostages were Karina Ariev (20), Daniella Gilboa (20), Naama Levy (20), and Liri Albag (19). According to CNN, Hamas staged a show of force during the handover at Gaza City's Palestine Square, waving green flags and displaying a poster featuring current and former Israeli leaders alongside the word "failure." The gesture...

December 23, 2024 5:04 PM

Some gaps have narrowed in elusive Gaza ceasefire deal, sides say

Gaps between Israel and Hamas over a possible Gaza ceasefire have narrowed, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials' remarks on Monday, though crucial differences have yet to be resolved. A fresh bid by mediators Egypt, Qatar and the United States to end the fighting and release Israeli and foreign hostages has gained momentum this month, though no breakthrough has yet been reported. A Palestinian official familiar with the talks said while some sticking points had been resolved, the ...

June 4, 2024 3:57 PM

Four more Israeli hostages died in Gaza captivity, Israel’s military says

The Israeli military said another four Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7 had died in captivity and that their bodies are being held by the Palestinian Islamist group. The four men were identified as Chaim Peri, 80, Yoram Metzger, 80, Amiram Cooper, 84, and Nadav Popplewell, 51. All four were filmed alive in hostage videos posted by Hamas. Hamas said that Popplewell had died of wounds sustained during an Israeli air strike when posting his video last month. Military spokesperson Rea...