Tag

Hostage

All articles tagged with #hostage

Last hostage’s body return lets families finally breathe
world29 days ago

Last hostage’s body return lets families finally breathe

Former Israeli hostage Sasha Troufanov, who spent 498 days in Gaza, says the return of Ran Gvili’s body — the last of the captives' remains — lets all released hostages breathe and start rebuilding their lives. He describes brutal, isolating captivity, including beatings, sexual harassment, and constant surveillance, noting his fiancée Sapir Cohen was freed earlier while he was released in February 2025. He emphasizes that rebuilding Gaza alone won’t prevent future attacks and calls for lasting steps to halt the cycle of violence as he begins rehabilitation and plans his wedding.

Rafah reopening hinges on finishing hostage remains search
world1 month ago

Rafah reopening hinges on finishing hostage remains search

Israel says it will reopen the Rafah border crossing with Egypt only after completing a focused operation to recover the body of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage killed in 2023; the crossing has been largely closed since May 2024. The search in northern Gaza could last several days, after which a limited pedestrian reopening with Israeli monitoring is planned, with broader reopening contingent on finishing the operation and ongoing mediation with the US and Egypt as phase two of the Gaza peace plan is discussed.

Israel widens Gaza search for final hostage amid ceasefire push
world1 month ago

Israel widens Gaza search for final hostage amid ceasefire push

Israel said its military is conducting a large-scale operation in Gaza to locate Ran Gvili, the last hostage held since 2023, as U.S. mediators press to move the ceasefire into its second phase and reopen Rafah. The search, including cemetery work and sites in Gaza City and northern Gaza, could take days, with Hamas saying it has provided all known information about Gvili’s remains and accusing Israel of stalling. The day also featured a fire at UNRWA’s Jerusalem headquarters amid rising tensions.

Israel to receive deceased hostages' bodies amid ceasefire talks
world4 months ago

Israel to receive deceased hostages' bodies amid ceasefire talks

Israeli officials are preparing to receive the body of a deceased hostage from Hamas, which claimed to have located the body after extensive digging. This follows recent IDF strikes in Gaza in response to Hamas violations of the ceasefire, including attacks and the deaths of two IDF soldiers. The IDF also responded to terrorists crossing the 'yellow line' near Shejaiya, posing threats to troops.

Hostages Reunited After Long Captivity in Gaza
world4 months ago

Hostages Reunited After Long Captivity in Gaza

Avinatan Or, abducted from a music festival in Gaza and held in captivity for two years, was released and shared a humorous video message expressing gratitude and resilience. His father revealed he was kept in a cage and held in solitary confinement, but he remains mentally strong and hopeful. Or's reunion with his partner Noa Argamani symbolizes hope amid ongoing efforts to free all hostages.

Hostages Reunited After Gaza Captivity, Express Hope and Resilience
world4 months ago

Hostages Reunited After Gaza Captivity, Express Hope and Resilience

Noa Argamani, a former Israeli hostage, described the stark differences in her captivity compared to her partner Avinatan Or, who was released under a Gaza ceasefire deal after being held for over two years. Argamani was held inside houses with other hostages, while Or was kept in tunnels alone. Both have now been reunited, but the situation remains tense as Hamas still holds 24 bodies of hostages. Argamani expressed hope for healing and justice, emphasizing the long road ahead.