Hostage Deal

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.

Frustration with our leadership must not lead to our annihilation - editorial

The anger, hurt, disappointment, and frustration in our country are more than valid, but we cannot afford to call for institutional annihilation.

Poster of hostage Yonatan Mordechai Samerano during demonstrations for the hostages still held in Gaza.
 Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza, rally outside the PM's office in Jerusalem, calling for the government to seal a deal which would see all hostages released, on July 01, 2025.

Hamas official doubles down on demands for end of war amid new hostage deal hopes - report

 Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich attend a plenum session on forming the government, in the Israeli parliament, on December 29, 2022.

Ben-Gvir rallies Smotrich to block Gaza ceasefire, opposition offers Netanyahu 'safety net'

 Demonstrators protest for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip, outside the IDF Kirya Military HeadquartersBase in Tel Aviv, July 2, 2025.

Israel awaits Hamas hostage deal response, Iran nuclear program set back one, two years


Awaiting Hamas's response: Will an expanded IDF ground operation free hostages, defeat Hamas?

Senior IDF officials claim that they have exhausted the military moves and that the political echelon needs to come up with a new strategy to release the hostages.

 IDF troops from the Givati Brigade operating in Jabaliya.

Liri Albag at hostage rally: Only the hostage issue remains after striking Iran and its proxies

Albag said, "After everything we’ve achieved - after striking Iran and its proxies - only the hostages remain. This is the moment. The people demand their return."

Released hostage Liri Albag speaks at Hostage Square, calling for the release of the remaining hostages, alongside her parents Shira and Eli, June 28, 2025.

Israeli officials dampen optimism on hostage deal progress after Trump's comments - report

According to the official, there has been no substantial change in either Israel or Hamas’s fundamental positions, particularly regarding Hamas’s demand for guarantees that the war will be ended.

 Hostage families demonstrate for Israel to move forward with phase two of the hostage-ceasefire deal, February 11, 2025.

Trump doubles down on calls to cancel Netanyahu trial, reach Gaza ceasefire

Netanyahu thanked the US leader after he criticized the corruption trial proceedings, saying they hindered negotiations with Hamas and Iran.

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump shake hands following a meeting in the White House, in Washington, April 7, 2025.

Between a rock and a hard space: Israel's dilemma over hostages on Korach parasha - opinion

Let us bring home who and what we can, not only the living and the dead, but the truth that Jewish life is precious, and unity is not an aspiration but a lifeline.

 PROTESTERS CALL for the release of the hostages, in Tel Aviv, last week. On each photo cut-out, are the words: ‘Still in Gaza.’ The war isn’t really over – because for 50 families, and for all of us, the hostages are still not home, says the writer.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to visit Cairo for hostage deal-ceasefire talks - report

Witkoff's visit comes amid positive indications that there will be "notable progress in negotiations with a relative change in the tone of statements issued by Israel."

 US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff speaks at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, May 28, 2025

Netanyahu in process of negotiations with Hamas, Iran launches new special legal group

IDF strikes Gaza, southern Lebanon • Hostage families meet with Marco Rubio • Trump says Gaza ceasefire could be reached next week

 US President Donald Trump meets Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington DC, April 7, 2025

Trump says Gaza ceasefire will be reached next week

Trump's comments come after his recent success in arranging an Iran-Israel ceasefire, ending a 12 day war.

 L to R: US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against backdrop of hostage posters.

'And now - the hostages': Families, advocates for missing want Israel to refocus on their plight

Now, with Israel claiming victory over Iran, Israeli life is returning to normal — but with the searing losses of the latest war reshaping reality.

 A PROTEST march takes place in Tel Aviv last week, with the call for an immediate release of the hostages. The ‘now’ demand has been prominent in speeches, online messaging, banners, and posters in connection with the hostages taken by Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza, the writer notes.

Israel not sending delegation for hostage deal talks to Qatar, Egypt for now, sources tell 'Post'

Meanwhile, high-level talks are underway in Cairo between senior Egyptian officials, Steve Witkoff representative Bishara Bahbah, and senior Hamas representatives.

 Demonstrators protest against the Israeli government and for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip outside military headquarters in Tel Aviv, June 7 2025.

‘Hamas is weak’: Hostage families tell Trump now is the time to make a deal

"Trump - you have achieved a tremendous achievement in Iran,” the families said. “Hamas is weak - take advantage of this historic moment to bring all 50 hostages home." 

 L to R: US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against backdrop of hostage posters.