Since the October 7 massacre, hundreds of Israelis were taken hostage by Hamas and were held captive in the Gaza Strip. While many of the hostages have either been freed, rescued, or killed, many still remain in captivity. The hostage deal is a hypothetical agreement between Israel and Hamas that would see the hostages, living and dead, released from captivity back to Israel.
Such a deal was implemented in the early days of the war, in November 2023, where many hostages were released over the course of a few days. A much longer one was implemented in early 2025, which saw many hostages released from captivity in exchange for the release of high numbers of Palestinian security prisoners.
10 living hostages and 18 hostage bodies would be released for a 60-day ceasefire, minor IDF withdrawal, and aid distribution changes.
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Foreign Minister Sa'ar said that "if there is a chance to release hostages, it is appropriate to do so."
Former hostage Eliya Cohen urged the public to continue fighting for those still held in Gaza, calling the mission “the most Israeli, the most Jewish, and the most human thing we can do."
The hostages who have come forward with their testimonies have shown incredible bravery, but official talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly stalled.
The remarks were noteworthy, as they contradicted those of other ministers and of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said that the ultimate goal of the war was victory over Hamas.
After 600 days, we need to end the war and withdraw from Gaza in exchange for the 58 hostages. Those are the only negotiations that should be taking place.
After 471 days in Hamas captivity, Romi Gonen opens up about her slow recovery, ongoing struggles, and hope for the safe return of all captives.
The INSS poll found that the Israeli public was largely divided over the renewed fighting in Gaza and the plan for the day after the war.
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