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.
The hostages need to be brought home now, and the importance and duty to do so do not get diminished by internal strife, regardless of the strains.
The proposed framework would also require Hamas to provide full information on the conditions of the remaining hostages.
Israel has paused the Gaza invasion to allow time for a potential hostage deal before advancing further and triggering mass civilian evacuations.
Cohen's captors shackled his hands and showed him videos of his friends being killed.
After giving Netanyahu the letter, which his defense attorney took, Zangauker told the press that Netanayhu has repeatedly refused to meet with her.
Ron Dermer, Israel's chief hostage negotiator, has remained silent during the crisis. To regain trust, he must engage with the public and provide reassurance on efforts to bring the hostages home.
Keith Seigel told 60 Minutes that he was forced to watch female hostages getting tortured and sexually assaulted during his captivity.
Israel also insists that, as part of such a deal, the mediators should be informed of the hostages' nutritional and health conditions.
Ronen and Orna Neutra urged Israel to prioritize a hostage deal, warning that military pressure risks captives' lives without securing their return.
The government has a responsibility to bring home all hostages, but it is not their top priority.
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