Hostage

October 7 ceremony will be largest memorial event in Israel's history, founders say

The ceremony will be held on the evening of Wednesday, October 7, with the participation of hundreds of bereaved families, hostage survivors, and representatives of affected communities.

An illustration of Israelis attending a memorial service for the October 7 massacre in Hayarkon Park, Tel Aviv.
Former lead hostage negotiations coordinator Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon speaks at the Reichman University Conference, Herzliya, July 1, 2026.

Gaza war could have ended a year earlier, achieved more Hamas disarmament, ex-hostage chief says

SIGN FOR a press conference from the October Council marking 1,000 days since the October 7 massacre, June 26, 2026.

Families of October 7 victims to march along Gaza border, marking 1,000 days since Hamas invasion

Former hostage Rom Braslavski at the Israeli Premier League match between Maccabi Netanya and Beitar Jerusalem at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on November 30, 2025.

'I won,' ex-hostage Rom Braslavski says after IDF kills PIJ terrorist who held him in Gaza


Smotrich cancels visit to Kibbutz Be'eri following opposition by hostages' families, residents

During an interview for Nadav Perry's podcast on Sunday, Smotrich claimed a critical role in how the war played out and in bringing back the hostages from Gaza.

Bezalel Smotrich.

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

Speaking with Gideon Oko and Amichai Atali on 103FM radio, Miran criticized Smotrich over his conduct during the two years in which Israelis were held in Gaza.

RELEASED ISRAELI hostage Omri Miran, with his father Dani, October 28, 2025.

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

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he drew a line with Netanyahu and had a necessary role in returning the hostages after October 7.

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

State Archives releases thousands of documents for Entebbe rescue's 50th anniversary

Alongside previously released materials, the State Archives is publishing in full the files related to the Entebbe operation, some of which had already been partially disclosed.

A police officer clears the way for rescued Air France hostages arriving in Tel Aviv after returning from Entebbe

October Council marks 1,000 days since October 7 massacre, calls for state commission of inquiry

The press conference was attended by bereaved families, hostage families, survivors, and representatives, who called on Israel's public to demand the establishment of a state commission of inquiry.

A PRESS conference marking 1,000 days since the October 7 massacre, June 25, 2026.

Twenty years since Gilad Schalit's abduction, newly released IDF logs show real-time confusion

The new records rest mostly on reports that an IDF command center received in real time via communications devices with soldiers in the field, as well as handwritten reports and updates.

In this handout photo provided by the IDF, freed Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit (2nd R) walks with Defence Minister Ehud Barak (L), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2nd, L) and IDF Chief of General Staff Benny Gantz (R) at Tel Nof Airbase on October 18, 2011 in central Israel.

Former hostage condemns UN special rapporteur's silence on Hamas's October 7 sexual violence

"Your report speaks about violence against women. Why is there no mention of Hamas?" Gritzewsky demanded from the Special Rapporteur, Reem Alsalem.

Ilana Gritzewsky speaking at the United Nations Security Council, August 27, 2025.

Silenced no more: The Israeli women who documented Hamas's October 7 sexual crimes

New 298-page Civil Commission report details Oct. 7 sexual violence, based on thousands of photos, videos, and interviews, finding social media was used as a tool of psychological warfare.

Civil Commission’s chairwoman Dr. Cochava Elkayam-Levy (bottom), and Merav Israeli-Amarant, CEO. (Photos: Chen Schimmel)

'I have a mission': Guy Gilboa-Dalal recounts sexual violence he experienced in Hamas captivity

In an interview with First Lady Michal Herzog, Gilboa-Dalal said that he feels he has a mission to use his voice to empower victims of sexual assault.

Guy Gilboa-Dalal speaks to First Lady Michal Herzog on his experiences with sexual assault during Hamas captivity, June 18, 2026.

US sentences former Taliban commander to 42 years in prison for terrorism, taking hostages

The charges are based on his role as a Taliban commander in Afghanistan, leading attacks against US serviceman and allies, and taking hostages between 2007 and 2009.

Former Taliban commander Haji Najibullah, previously accused of kidnapping an American journalist, appears on charges related to murdering three US troops in Afghanistan in 2008 during a court hearing in New York, US, October 15, 2021 in this courtroom sketch.