Hostage

Smotrich, Netanyahu quarrel over law banning release of senior terrorists during exchange deals

The absence of such a law places "every Israeli citizen, at home and abroad, under a real threat of abduction," argued Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Minister of Finance and Head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, February 16, 2026.
Arbel Yehoud and released hostage Ariel Cunio reunite on October 13, 2025.

Released hostage Arbel Yehoud: I was sexually assaulted 'almost every single day' in Gaza

Participants hold up posters of hostages as thousands of people attend the March for Israel on the National Mall in November 2023 in Washington, DC. Following October 7, American Jews mobilized more than $1 billion for Israel’s relief and recovery.

From hostages to heritage: Defending Diaspora Judaism's modern world - opinion

 LUIS HAR (far left) and Fernando Marman (center), two hostages rescued in a special forces operation in Rafah, Gaza, in February 2024, reunite with loved ones later in the day at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer.

WATCH: 'We have two diamonds here': IDF releases video from hostage rescue operation


Released hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel to enter humanitarian work following Gaza captivity trauma

"The extraordinary mobilization of Israeli society that fought for our freedom moved us deeply," said Keith, who spent 484 days in Gaza.

Released hostages Aviva and Keith Siegel have decided to step into international humanitarian work following their experience in captivity, the pair announced at the SID Israel conference on January 19.

Parents of slain Gaza hostages Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Roni Eshel to release memoirs of experience

Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh, will release an intimate memoir this spring, while Eshel, father of Roni, is publishing a book chronicling the 34 days before learning of his daughter’s death.

 RACHEL GOLDBERG-POLIN interviews in Jerusalem, May 29.

Trump advised not to strike Iran, former hostage files assault complaint

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff delivers a press conference upon the signing of the declaration on deploying post-ceasefire force in Ukraine, during the so-called 'Coalition of the Willing' summit, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, January 6, 2026.

Guatemalan inmates riot at three prisons, taking 46 people hostage

Inmates, some wearing jumpsuits but most in tank tops and shorts, their faces covered by masks improvised with pieces of clothing, watched from above, perched in the prison's patrol towers.

An inmate looks out from a security tower at the Renovacion 1 prison, as inmates at three Guatemalan prisons rioted on Saturday and took mostly prison guards hostage, authorities said, in Escuintla, Guatemala, January 17, 2026.

Gaza Phase II begins: Trump unveils 'Board of Peace,' demands Hamas disarm

“As I have said before, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. The people of Gaza have suffered long enough. The time is NOW,” Trump wrote.

Israeli army soldier holding a mounted machine gun in front of destroyed buildings in the vicinity of the Jordanian Field Hospital in Gaza City.

'Every day I planned an escape': Ariel Cunio shares details of Hamas captivity - exclusive

Ariel and his brother David, who were some of the longest-held living Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, have begun a Fuente Latina media tour this month.

David (L) and Ariel Cunio.

Kfar Aza Foundation head appears together with former hostage Keith Siegel at Miami Summit

Siegel: “During my 484 days in captivity, the source of my resilience and my strength was my family, my Jewish faith, the Jewish people, and all of you”

Alon Futterman ,Director of the Kfar Azza Foundation and Keith Siegel, Former Hostage

Trump’s Gaza peace plan officially entering Phase II, Witkoff announces

The interim governing body for Gaza will have 15 members, according to Witkoff, though their names have not been confirmed. It remains unclear how Hamas will be disarmed as required by the plan.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff speaks at the weekly rally at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, October 11, 2025.

Netanyahu convenes Israel's security cabinet on Gaza ceasefire's Phase II

Israel’s Security Cabinet met to discuss Phase II of the Gaza peace plan amid ongoing Iranian protests. The progression hinges on Hamas disarming and returning the remains of the final hostage.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes a security cabinet meeting on April 6, 2023

'Cool!' Ex-hostages Emily Damari, Romi Gonen recount learning of Hamas leader Sinwar's death

Emily Damari and Romi Gonen also recalled their harrowing time in captivity, their bond through music, and their emotional journey after the Oct. 7 massacre during a Galgaltz show on Monday.

 Former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on the backdrop of hostage posters. (Illustrative)