Gaza hostages

Brother of former hostage Avera Mengitsu missing, police ask public for help with search

Ashgara Mengistu, a 34-year-old resident of Ashkelon, left his mother's home in Ma'ale Adumim on Sunday and hasn't been seen since, the police reported.

Ashgara Mengistu, Avera Mengitsu's brother, is missing.
Noam Bettan will represent Israel at Eurovision 2026.

Noam Bettan wins Next Star reality show, to represent Israel at Eurovision 2026

Poster of hostage Yonatan Mordechai Samerano during demonstrations for the hostages still held in Gaza.

Family of slain hostage sues UNRWA for alleged role in October 7 kidnapping, murder

Bereaved families and opposition MKs formed a separate committee meeting in the Knesset in protest of the first debate advancing the government bill that aims to establish a politically appointed committee to investigate the failures surrounding the October 7 attacks.

Bereaved families protest Knesset debate on political probe into Oct. 7 failings


In AI video released by forum, final Gaza hostage Ran Gvili begs Trump to free him

He thanks Trump for an agreement that brought many captives home and pleads, “Mr. President, finish what you started. Bring me home before it’s too late.”

A woman holds a picture of dead hostage Ran Gvili, whose body hasn't been returned yet, as Israelis attend a rally calling for the immediate return of the remains of all hostages held in Gaza, more than two years after the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, at Hostages Square.

Israel advances political probe into October 7, gov't committee to outline probe limits

The bill proposal will be brought to an initial Knesset vote on Wednesday; under it, the government would have complete control over the topics being investigated, including the judiciary.

Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved the establishment of a political commission of inquiry into the failures of October 7, December 22, 2025.

Mother of deceased hostage Ran Gvili expected to join Netanyahu on upcoming US trip

Walla also learned that Shira, Ran Gvili's sister, was invited by Israeli Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, to light the fifth Hanukkah candle at the Consulate General. 

Talik Gvili, the mother of Ran Gvili, at her home in Meitar, Israel, December 7, 2025

All the colors come together on the canvas

"Unity does not mean uniformity. It means learning to stand in awe of each other’s journeys, even when they look nothing like our own."

Yaakov Langer interviewing returned hostage Eli Sharabi

Flooding in Gaza Strip hampers search for remains of final hostage Ran Gvili - report

The source told Ynet that "efforts to locate Ran are continuing through other means."

Displaced Palestinians walk through floodwaters near their tents following heavy rains in Gaza City on December 15, 2025.

What the hostages reveal about Israel’s real strength - opinion

Survivors of captivity, grieving mothers, and quiet heroes show that Israel’s true strength lies in its people.

Visitors at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. The hostages are expected to be released from Hamas captivity tomorrow morning, on October 12, 2025.

Jewish people are not the smallest nation, but the largest family - opinion

Bound by family, not just fate, the Jewish people show why unity and sacrifice from Abraham to the October 7 massacre, and Hanukkah.

Family and friends of slain hostage Israeli soldier Cpt. Daniel Perez attend his funeral at the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem on October 15.

The Hanukkah miracle that restored our strength and unity - opinion

A year marked by hardship ends with light, unity, and restored hope across the Jewish world.

Bar Kupershtein acknowledges those welcoming him as he comes home last month, in Holon, after his release from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The return of the hostages restored our breath, says the writer.

Hamas chief negotiator says Israel strike on Ra'ad Sa'ad threatens Trump's Gaza ceasefire

In a televised address, Hayya, who is also the exiled Gaza Hamas chief, confirmed the killing of the group's senior commander in an Israeli strike a day earlier.

HAMAS POLITIBURO member Khalil al-Hayya attends a news conference in Damascus, Syria October 19, 2022.

Over 200 former hostages, bereaved families urge Netanyahu to start Oct. 7 probe

In a letter, the groups demanded “truth, justice, and accountability,” saying only a state commission has the legal authority to investigate decision-making before and after the attack.

Security camera footage showing the entrance to Moshav Ein Habesor during the October 7, 2023, massacre.