Gaza hostages

Beyond the headlines: Implications of a Matzah shortage - opinion

A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news.

CHAIM ELCHANAN Idan, creator of the Ohr HaTorah weekly newsletter on the Torah portion.
 Tzili Wenkert, a holocaust survivor and the grandmother of Omer Wenkert who is held hostage by Hamas terrorosts in Gaza, attends an event at the "Hostages Square", outside the Art Museum of Tel Aviv, calling the Israeli government to act for immediate release of the hostages on October 28, 2023.

Shoah survivor says her grandson Omer Wenkert's Hamas captivity was a 'second Holocaust'

Argentinian President Javier Milei and Israeli President Isaac Herzog tour in Kibbutz Nir Oz, southern Israel, February 8, 2024.

President Herzog to award Argentina's Javier Milei with Presidential Medal of Honor

Hamas terrorist Mohammad Fuad Jaser Sayyid seen inside an underground tunnel in Gaza alongside Israeli hostage Avinatan Or in a photo released by the IDF on April 12, 2026.

IDF kills Hamas terrorists involved in hostage-taking on October 7


Jewish world marks first day with no hostages in Gaza by shedding symbols of support

The return of Ran Gvili’s body on Monday ended a two-and-a-half-year advocacy campaign to return the roughly 250 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

The yellow ribbon pin became a ubiquitous symbol for solidarity with the hostages held by Hamas.

WATCH: Hostages Square countdown clock stopped after 843 days

Gvili's return marks the end of the saga of returning all live and deceased hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. 

The countdown clock in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, seen after it was stopped on January 27, 2026.

'No reasonable person can get used to it': IDF commander on recovering Gvili's remains - interview

Gvili was killed in battle fighting infiltrating Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, after saving the lives of partygoers fleeing the Nova music festival in Re’im and defending Kibbutz Alumim.

Israeli military forces search for the remains of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili in a Gaza City cemetery on Jan. 25, 2026.

With no more hostages in Gaza, Israel can begin to move forward - editorial

Something fundamental has shifted, allowing Israel to start thinking about turning a page.

Israeli police officers and others ride their motorbikes towards the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, as the body of last Israeli hostage arrives by ambulance in Tel Aviv on January 26, 2026.

No one left behind, Israel completes hostage recovery - comment

After 843 days, Israel has accounted for every hostage taken on October 7, bringing home the living and the fallen at immense cost.

Thousands gather at Hostage Square to celebrate the return of the hostages, October 13, 2025. We have rejoiced alongside their families, who spent two years trapped in a waking nightmare.

'Hero of Kibbutz Alumim': Israel reacts to news of final hostage Ran Gvili's return

Leaders across Israel paid tribute as the remains of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili were brought home, closing the chapter of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Itzik Gvili, father of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili, places his hands on the coffin containing his son's remains, January 26, 2026.

'Just wanted to serve the country': The story of Gaza hostage St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili - explainer

The IDF recovered the body of Staff Sgt Maj Ran Gvili from Gaza, more than two years after he was killed fighting Hamas on October 7.

St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili

Former Hamas hostage shares preview of new song one year after release from captivity

"I can't believe that the moment has finally arrived when I get to share share something of mine, finally my voice can be heard and I don't need to whisper anymore, don't need to fear," Gilboa wrote.

FORMER HOSTAGE Daniella Gilboa previews her new song in an Instagram post, January 25, 2026.

No second phase without the return of Ran Gvili's remains - editorial

The return of fallen hostages is not a secondary issue to be postponed; it is a core obligation. Israel and the US should not allow themselves to be trapped in that pattern again.

Posters of Ran Gvili, whose body is still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza, seen at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. December 02, 2025.

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.