Israel has recovered the bodies of three hostages from the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Saturday, in what he called a “successful” military operation carried out by Israeli forces.

The recovered individuals were identified as Yonatan Samrano, Ofra Kedar, and Staff Sgt. Shai Levinson. Their remains were returned to Israel following a targeted operation led by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency.

“I thank our commanders and fighters for their determination and courage,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
“We will not rest until we return all of our abductees home—both the living and the dead.”

The Victims’ Stories

Each of the three victims had been held or killed during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, when more than 1,200 people in Israel were killed and 251 were taken hostage.

• Ofra Kedar, 71, was murdered at a kibbutz before her body was taken into Gaza.
• Staff Sgt. Shai Levinson, just 19 years old, was killed while fighting back against attackers during the assault.
• Yonatan Samrano, 23, was declared dead by Israeli officials; his father, Kobi Samrano, confirmed the recovery of his son’s body in a touching Instagram post.

“Yesterday was Yonati’s Hebrew birthday,” he wrote.
“On the very day he was born, our Yonati was rescued in a heroic operation by the brave soldiers of the IDF and the Shin Bet.”

Ongoing Efforts and National Response

These latest recoveries bring the total number of hostage bodies retrieved this month to eight, as Israel continues both its military operations in Gaza and parallel efforts to confront Iran.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group representing families of those taken during the October 7 attacks, expressed both sorrow and a renewed sense of urgency:

“Our hearts are with the Keidar, Samrano, and Levinson families today.
Alongside grief, their return offers some comfort to families who’ve endured 625 days of uncertainty.”

The group emphasized that the fate of the remaining 50 hostages—31 of whom the IDF now says are dead—remains central to Israel’s broader goals:

“There will be no victory until the last hostage returns.”

Wider Conflict and Casualties

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza was launched in direct response to the October 7 attack by Hamas. Since then, the war has exacted a heavy toll on both sides.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 54,677 people have been killed in the territory since the war began. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as fighting persists and efforts to secure the release—or remains—of hostages press on.

Source: BBC – Israel recovers bodies of three hostages from Gaza

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Tensions between Israel and Iran have erupted into one of the most dangerous confrontations in years, with Iranian missile strikes injuring at least 240 people across Israel and prompting a fierce Israeli response that now includes direct threats to Iran’s Supreme Leader.

Iranian Missiles Hit Hospital and Tel Aviv Homes

On Thursday, Iran launched a wave of missile attacks across Israel. One of the most alarming strikes hit Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, Israel’s main hospital in the south. The surgical ward was heavily damaged, and hospital officials said it was only thanks to earlier evacuations that mass casualties were avoided. Dozens were still injured.

In Tel Aviv, residential buildings were struck, adding to the casualty toll and rattling civilian neighborhoods far from the front lines.

Israeli Defense Minister: “Khamenei Must Not Continue to Exist”

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz placed direct blame on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for his elimination: “In order to achieve all of our goals, this man absolutely should not continue to exist.”

Israeli forces responded with a major strike on Iran’s Arak heavy water nuclear reactor. The IAEA confirmed the facility was not active and posed no radiation threat. However, Israel released footage of the bombing, making clear it intends to severely degrade Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Trump to Decide on U.S. Military Involvement

The White House announced that President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether to join Israel’s military campaign. While Trump says he still hopes for a diplomatic solution, press secretary Karoline Leavitt quoted him as saying, “There’s a substantial chance of negotiations, but I’ll make my decision within the next two weeks.”

Massive Human Toll in Gaza, Iran, and Israel

• Gaza: In just the last 24 hours, 69 Palestinians were killed and 221 more injured amid continued Israeli airstrikes. Since October 2023, Gaza’s health ministry says over 55,000 have been killed and more than 130,000 injured.
• Iran: Israeli strikes have killed at least 639 people across Iran, according to Human Rights Activists, a U.S.-based rights group. Iran’s last official update reported 224 deaths.
• Israel: Beyond the 240 injuries from Iran’s latest barrage, multiple areas sustained damage, including hospitals, residential buildings, and key infrastructure.

Regional and Global Fallout

• Air Travel Disrupted: U.S. airlines including United, American, and Delta have suspended flights to the Middle East. Ben Gurion Airport remains closed.
• Evacuations Underway: Canada, Japan, China, and others are arranging for citizens to leave Israel and Iran. Cyprus has become a key transit hub.
• Diplomatic Backlash: Iran summoned Germany’s envoy for supporting Israeli strikes. The country has also asked the U.N. Security Council to condemn Israel’s attacks.
• Warnings from Russia, China, and Religious Leaders: Russia and China condemned Israel’s strikes and warned the U.S. not to escalate. Iraq’s Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani called a potential strike on Iran’s top leadership a “criminal act” that could unleash regional chaos.

Nuclear Tensions Rising

Israel claims to have destroyed two-thirds of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers and struck multiple nuclear-related sites. The Arak reactor strike aimed to halt any future plutonium production. Iran continues to enrich uranium at levels just short of weapons-grade.

Meanwhile, Iran’s blackout — the most severe since 2019 — has cut off internet access nationwide for over 24 hours.

International Diplomacy in Overdrive

Diplomatic talks are intensifying:

• Iran’s foreign minister is meeting European officials in Geneva.
• Egypt is pushing for a de-escalation dialogue.
• Italy and the U.S. have reaffirmed that “Iran must not have the atomic bomb.”
• The U.N. secretary-general is urging all sides to “return to diplomacy and stop the killing.”

Hezbollah and Militias Threaten U.S. Interests

Iraqi militia Harakat al-Nujaba warned it would target U.S. citizens if Khamenei is harmed. Hezbollah has praised Iran’s attacks but hasn’t confirmed whether it will join the fighting.

Final Word: A Region on the Edge

With missiles flying, leaders issuing ultimatums, and hospitals under fire, the Middle East is closer to the brink than it’s been in years. Whether Trump joins the war or finds a diplomatic offramp could determine whether this crisis becomes a full-blown regional conflict.

Source: AP News – The Latest: Israel threatens Iran’s supreme leader as Iranian strikes wound over 200

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The conflict between Israel and Iran escalated dramatically over the weekend, with missile exchanges continuing into a third day and casualties rising sharply on both sides. Israel targeted key military and nuclear-related sites in Tehran, while Iranian missiles landed deep inside Israeli territory, leaving at least 13 dead and many wounded.

Israel Strikes Deep into Iran

On Sunday, Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, including sites reportedly linked to Iran’s nuclear program and the Defense Ministry’s headquarters in Tehran. Iranian officials confirmed explosions in several areas of the capital, including the Vali-e Asr Square and the Niroo Havaei neighborhood, which houses the Iranian air force headquarters.

Smoke was seen rising across multiple districts in Tehran. Iranian state media reported a drone strike damaged the Tehran Police Command building, injuring several officers. Eyewitness videos and images circulating online showed buildings shaking and plumes of smoke over the city.

Iran Responds with Missile Barrage

Iran returned fire, launching missiles that bypassed Israeli air defenses and hit populated areas. The death toll in Israel rose to at least 13, including 10 killed in overnight strikes, according to Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency service. Several buildings were damaged, and Israel’s main international airport remained closed for the third day.

On the Iranian side, the country’s U.N. ambassador reported Saturday that 78 people had been killed and over 320 injured in prior Israeli strikes, but no updated figures were given on Sunday.

Fallout and Fears of a Wider War

The latest Israeli strikes reportedly killed multiple senior generals and top Iranian nuclear scientists, signaling a major escalation. President Donald Trump, in a statement, distanced the U.S. from the Israeli attacks but warned Iran not to retaliate against American interests, promising “the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces” if it did.

Trump Says Peace Deal Is Still Possible

Despite the violence, Trump remained optimistic about diplomacy, posting on social media that “Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal.” He drew comparisons to peace efforts he said he led between India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and Egypt and Ethiopia during his first term.

“I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand,” he wrote. “MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!”

UK Issues Full Travel Warning for Israel

In response to the growing danger, the UK government updated its travel advisory Sunday, now urging citizens to avoid all travel to Israel. The country’s threat level moved from “amber” to “red,” placing it on the same alert tier as Iran.

Regional Rumors and Denials

Meanwhile, Iranian state media sparked alarm by reporting that Pakistan was preparing to send 750 non-nuclear ballistic missiles to aid Iran. But a senior official from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry quickly denied the claim in comments to the Associated Press, saying no such plan was in motion. The Pakistani military did not comment, but the country—like neighboring India—is known for routinely test-firing missiles without disclosing exact stockpile numbers.

What’s Next?

With both sides locked into a deadly cycle of retaliation and no signs of de-escalation, fears are growing of a broader regional war that could draw in the U.S., its allies, and other regional powers. Airspace over much of the Middle East remains tense, and civilians across Iran and Israel are bracing for more violence.

World leaders are urging restraint, but on the ground, the reality is stark: both nations are bleeding, and diplomacy is on life support.

Source: AP News – The Latest: Death toll grows as Israel and Iran trade attacks for third day

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In a troubling escalation, a missile launched from Yemen struck near Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday, briefly shutting down operations and raising alarms over the country’s air defense vulnerabilities.

The missile, reportedly fired by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, managed to bypass multiple interception attempts by Israel’s advanced defense systems. This marked the first time the group has successfully targeted Israel’s main international airport — a high-profile and heavily protected location.

For about 30 minutes Sunday morning, flights in and out of Ben Gurion Airport were suspended after the missile landed nearby. Trains were also halted, and police urged the public to avoid the area. Debris from the impact littered the roads leading to the terminal, and videos circulating on social media showed plumes of black smoke rising near the airport.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that several interception attempts were made using the Arrow missile defense system, and that the incident is under review. A U.S.-deployed THAAD anti-missile system is also stationed in Israel, but neither system prevented the missile’s impact.

The Houthi rebels quickly claimed responsibility, stating the attack was in response to what they called Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza. Spokesperson Yahya Saree said the missile used was a hypersonic ballistic missile, capable of traveling at speeds up to Mach 16 and equipped with stealth features.

“The American and Israeli defense systems failed to intercept the missile aimed at Ben Gurion Airport,” Saree said.

This incident comes amid ongoing Houthi attacks against Israel, with the group claiming to act in solidarity with Palestinians. Sunday’s strike marks the third consecutive day of missile launches from Yemen toward Israeli territory.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz promised a fierce retaliation, stating, “We will attack whoever attacks us sevenfold.” The country’s security cabinet convened later in the day to assess the situation.

Military analyst Amir Bar Shalom called the missile strike both accurate and deeply concerning. “If you’re launching from 2,000 kilometers and hitting near the airport — that’s impressive accuracy,” he told CNN. “We have to take this threat seriously.”

Bar Shalom noted that Israel’s military would investigate why the interception failed, considering variables such as radar detection, response timing, and missile trajectory.

Following the strike, several major European airlines suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv, including Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings. Flights are expected to resume after May 6.

Meanwhile, Hamas praised the attack, referring to Yemen as “the twin of Palestine,” lauding its resilience and defiance of foreign aggression.

This isn’t the first time a Houthi missile has evaded Israel’s defenses. In December 2023, a similar failed interception led to a strike in Tel Aviv that injured over a dozen people. The Houthis claimed they had used another hypersonic missile, “Palestine 2,” targeting a military facility. In July, the group claimed responsibility for a deadly drone attack on the city — the first of its kind.

Israel has responded to Houthi threats by launching strikes on key facilities in Yemen, including ports and power stations. However, the broader U.S. military campaign — which includes airstrikes, B-2 stealth bombers, and hundreds of millions of dollars in munitions — has so far failed to stop the flow of missile attacks from Yemen.

According to estimates, the U.S. effort to counter Houthi missile launches has already cost nearly $1 billion within just three weeks earlier this year. Despite the scale and intensity of the campaign, the group continues to pose a serious threat to Israeli and regional security.

Source: CNN – Israel fails to intercept Houthi missile targeting its main airport, showing the limits of US efforts to weaken the group

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Israel has confirmed that the remains of four hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, will be returned from Gaza on Thursday as part of a ceasefire agreement. Among them are a mother and her two young children, whose fate had remained uncertain for months, and a retired journalist in his 80s.

Hostages Identified: A Tragic Loss

The Israeli government has verified that the bodies of Shiri Bibas, 32, and her two sons, Ariel (4 years old) and Kfir (9 months old), will be returned. Their capture had deeply impacted Israeli society, symbolizing the brutality of Hamas’ attack.

Additionally, the remains of Oded Lifshitz, 83, a retired journalist and peace activist, will be repatriated.

Family Pleads for Forensic Confirmation

The Bibas family released a statement urging Israelis to await forensic identification before drawing conclusions. “We ask everyone to wait before eulogizing our loved ones,” the statement read.

Netanyahu: “The Heart of an Entire Nation Breaks”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to the news with sorrow, stating, “The heart of an entire nation breaks.“

Disputed Cause of Death

Hamas claims all four hostages were killed in Israeli airstrikes, while Israel had previously expressed “grave concern“ over the Bibas family’s well-being.

Ceasefire Agreement and Prisoner Exchange

This return is part of a ceasefire deal, which includes the following key points:

• Hamas will release six living Israeli hostages on Saturday.
• In total, Hamas is set to return 33 hostages, eight of whom are believed to be dead.
• In exchange, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including individuals serving life sentences for deadly attacks.

The Bibas Family’s Captivity

Shiri Bibas and her two sons were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Their story became a national symbol of suffering. Her husband, Yarden Bibas, was freed earlier this month.

Oded Lifshitz: A Journalist and Peace Advocate

Lifshitz was one of the oldest hostages taken by Hamas. A lifelong advocate for Arab rights, he dedicated his later years to helping Palestinians receive medical care in Israel through the “On the Way to Recovery“ initiative.

His daughter, a London-based artist, had held onto hope that he might survive but was also bracing for the worst.

Lifshitz Family Statement

“These are difficult hours for us, after being informed that our beloved Oded is among the deceased hostages who will be returned,” his family said. “For 502 days, we hoped and prayed for a different outcome. Until we receive absolute certainty, our journey is not over.”

Somber Return Amid National Mourning

While the recent return of 19 living hostages was met with celebrations, the handover of bodies on Thursday will cast a somber mood across the nation. The tragedy of the Bibas family and Lifshitz has underscored the deep human toll of the war.

Meanwhile, the release of six more hostages on Saturday marks a key moment in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. However, many Israelis continue to demand the return of all remaining captives, dead or alive.

Source

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Tensions Rise as Hamas Warns of Postponement

Hamas has threatened to delay the next scheduled hostage release in Gaza, claiming Israel has violated the terms of the ceasefire agreement. The announcement, made Monday by Hamas’ military wing spokesman Abu Obeida, stated that the release set for Saturday would be postponed “until further notice” unless Israel complies with the deal.

Israel, in turn, has called Hamas’ threat a “complete violation of the ceasefire” and has ordered its military to prepare for “any possible scenario” in Gaza.

Hamas’ Accusations Against Israel

Hamas claims Israel has breached the ceasefire terms by:

• Blocking displaced Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza.
• Targeting civilians with shelling and gunfire.
• Delaying humanitarian aid, including fuel, medical supplies, and temporary shelters.

In a later statement, Hamas suggested there was still an opportunity for the hostage release to move forward if Israel complied with the deal.

“By issuing this statement five days ahead of the scheduled prisoner handover, Hamas aims to give mediators time to pressure Israel into honoring its commitments.”

Israel’s Response: Military on High Alert

Following Hamas’ announcement, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to increase readiness and postpone leave for combat soldiers in southern Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also reinforced its presence, anticipating possible escalations.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has moved up a security cabinet meeting to discuss the situation, signaling the urgency of the matter.

Public Pressure and Political Reactions

The hostage crisis has deeply affected the Israeli public, especially after images of three emaciated hostages released on Saturday surfaced, heightening fears for those still in captivity.

• Protests erupted in Tel Aviv Monday night, with demonstrators accusing Netanyahu’s government of sabotaging the ceasefire deal.
• Right-wing Israeli politicians have pushed for an immediate return to military action in Gaza.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested permanently displacing Palestinians from Gaza and proposed the U.S. should “own” the territory, adding further uncertainty to the situation.

Hostage Situation: The Numbers So Far

Since the ceasefire began on January 19, Hamas has released:

• 16 Israeli hostages (out of 33 promised in the first phase).
• Three hostages last Saturday, in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners.

Who Is Still in Captivity?

• 73 hostages remain in Gaza (out of 251 taken on October 7, 2023).
• Three additional hostages have been held since 2014.
• Eight of the 33 hostages expected in the first phase are confirmed dead.

What’s Next?

While Hamas’ threat is serious, past disputes between the two sides have been resolved through mediators. However, with military tensions rising and political pressure mounting in Israel, the fragile ceasefire is at risk of collapse.

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum has urged mediators to step in, stating:

“Time is of the essence. All hostages must be urgently rescued from this horrific situation.”

As the clock ticks, the fate of dozens of hostages—and the stability of the ceasefire—hangs in the balance.

Source

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The families of three Israeli hostages—Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy—who were released on Saturday have shared harrowing accounts of their loved ones’ ordeal in Hamas captivity. Their emotional testimonies highlight the suffering endured by the hostages and fuel calls for the immediate release of those still held in Gaza.

‘Nothing Prepared Me for Those Pictures’

Ella Ben Ami, daughter of Ohad Ben Ami, described her horror at seeing her father paraded by Hamas militants on a makeshift stage in Gaza before his release.

“I had many pictures in my mind of my dad, but nothing prepared me for those pictures of him on that stage. I was sure I would be strong, but I fell on the floor and screamed, ‘I’m sorry.’”

At a press conference on Sunday, Ella revealed that her father “went through hell” in captivity and urged the Israeli government to take immediate action.

“The remaining hostages are suffering just like he did. We have to move forward to Phase B and bring everybody back,” she said, referring to the next stage of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal.

‘He Wasn’t the Same Or’

For Michael Levy, seeing his brother Or Levy for the first time in 16 months was a painful shock.

“He wasn’t the same person who left home on October 7, 2023. He came back in poor physical condition. For 16 months, he was hungry, barefoot, and in constant fear that every day could be his last.”

But the cruelest blow came after Or’s release—he learned that his wife, Einav, had been killed in the Hamas attack on October 7.

“For 491 days, he held onto hope that he would return to her,” Michael said.

Now, he is demanding action.

“Or’s return is a miracle, but we can’t rest until every single one of them is back with their families.”

‘Every Second Could Save Lives’

Eli Sharabi’s brother, Sharon, called the release of the three hostages a victory for Israel, but stressed that time is running out for those still in captivity.

“Every moment that passes, every second, could save lives from Hamas tunnels, from this cruel enemy that has massacred us since October 7.”

Eli’s other brother, Yossi Sharabi, was also taken hostage by Hamas but did not survive.

The Urgent Need for Action

Since the start of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas has released 16 Israeli hostages, out of the 33 initially promised. However, eight of those 33 are confirmed dead.

As of now, Hamas and its allies still hold 73 hostages from the October 7 attack—part of the 251 originally taken—along with three additional hostages held captive since 2014.

With families and the Israeli government calling for urgent action, the pressure is mounting for a resolution that ensures all remaining hostages are brought home safely.

Source

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Hostage Release and Prisoner Exchange

In a significant yet tense development, Hamas released three Israeli hostages on Saturday as part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement. In return, Israel freed dozens of Palestinian prisoners. This marks the fifth such exchange since the truce began on January 19, 2025.

The three released Israeli hostages—Eli Sharabi (52), Ohad Ben Ami (56), and Or Levy (34)—were among approximately 250 people abducted during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. However, their frail and emaciated appearance has sparked widespread concern and outrage in Israel.

Before being handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the hostages were paraded before a large crowd by armed Hamas militants and forced to make public statements—a stark departure from previous releases where captives were not made to speak.

Concerns Over Hostages’ Condition

The visibly weakened state of the hostages has fueled anger in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office condemned the incident, stating, “We will not accept the shocking scenes.” However, no specific retaliatory measures were announced.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid argued that these distressing images underscored the need to extend the ceasefire and secure the release of dozens of remaining hostages.

In response to concerns about the hostages’ health, Hamas’ Qassam Brigades claimed they had “made efforts to preserve their lives despite the Israeli bombardment.”

Notably, many Palestinian prisoners released under the ceasefire have also appeared gaunt and frail, with some alleging mistreatment while in Israeli custody.

The Ongoing Ceasefire and Its Uncertain Future

The current phase of the ceasefire, set to last until early March, remains intact despite recent geopolitical tensions, including a controversial proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump to relocate Palestinians out of Gaza. While Israel welcomed the idea, it was vehemently rejected by Palestinians and most of the international community.

The second phase of the ceasefire, which would involve Hamas releasing dozens more hostages in exchange for a lasting truce, remains uncertain. Some analysts believe Hamas may hesitate to free more captives—its primary bargaining tool—if it perceives serious threats of mass displacement.

Who Were the Hostages Released?

Each of the three released hostages has endured profound personal loss:

• Eli Sharabi was abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri, one of the worst-hit areas in the October 7 attack. His wife and two teenage daughters were killed, while his brother, Yossi, was also kidnapped but later died in captivity.
• Ohad Ben Ami, a father of three, was also taken from Kibbutz Be’eri. His wife, Raz, was released during the November 2023 ceasefire.
• Or Levy was kidnapped from the Nova music festival, where he had sought shelter in a safe room. His wife was killed during the attack, and his now 3-year-old son has been raised by relatives.

Relatives of the hostages cheered and cried as they watched live footage of their loved ones being released. Michael Levy, Or’s brother, described telling his nephew, “Mogi, we found daddy.”

Palestinian Prisoners Released by Israel

In exchange for the hostages, Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners, including:

• 18 serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis
• 54 serving long-term sentences
• 111 Gazans detained after October 7, many without trial

Among the released prisoners were several high-profile figures, including:

• Iyad Abu Shakhdam (49), imprisoned for nearly 21 years for his involvement in Hamas attacks, including the 2004 Beersheba suicide bombing that killed 16 Israelis, including a 4-year-old child.
• Jamal al-Tawil, a senior Hamas politician and former mayor of Al-Bireh, who has been repeatedly jailed for his role in militant activities.

The releases were met with celebrations in the West Bank, where crowds cheered as freed detainees arrived. One extremely frail-looking prisoner was immediately transferred into an ambulance for medical care.

The Road Ahead: War or Extended Truce?

The ceasefire’s second phase remains in question, with no clear sign that Israel and Hamas have begun negotiations.

• Israel remains committed to destroying Hamas, even though the group reasserted control over Gaza within hours of the ceasefire.
• A key far-right faction in Netanyahu’s coalition is pushing for the war to resume.
• Hamas insists it will not release additional hostages unless Israel ends the war and fully withdraws from Gaza.

The death toll continues to rise as both sides assess their next steps. Since the war began:

• 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, were killed in the October 7 attack.
• Over 47,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, have died in Israel’s military response, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
• Israel claims to have killed over 17,000 Hamas fighters but has not provided concrete evidence.

With more than 70 hostages still in Gaza—including 34 believed dead—the coming weeks will determine whether fragile diplomacy holds or whether hostilities will resume.

Source

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This video, published by Kan public broadcaster with the Sarusi family’s permission, offers insight into the hostages’ final moments. In August, six Israeli hostages, including Sarusi, were executed by their captors as Israeli forces approached. These individuals had been taken from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, and held in the Gaza tunnel system for nearly a year.

In the video, the broadcast shows a protest scene with a demonstrator holding Sarusi’s photo. Two men, speaking Arabic off-camera, discuss the broadcast. Hebrew subtitles translate their conversation, which aired on Kan Wednesday night. While it’s unclear who is speaking, the exchange appears to be between two men:

“Yes, there he is — Almog Sarusi,” says one, pausing the TV report.

“Yes, he has long hair,” responds the other.

“They set up a sort of encampment,” one voice adds, referring to the families protesting for a deal to secure their loved ones’ release.

“The ones lifting up the photos of [the hostages] — those are their families,” another voice says.

This video was released two months after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) discovered the bodies of the six hostages—Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23; Eden Yerushalmi, 24; Ori Danino, 25; Alex Lobanov, 32; Carmel Gat, 40; and Almog Sarusi, 27. Forensic analysis revealed they had been killed less than 72 hours before their bodies were recovered on September 1. Reports suggest the hostages, possibly used as human shields for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, had survived for months on minimal food like energy bars before their eventual execution.

The situation remains critical, with 97 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7 believed to be still in Gaza, along with the bodies of at least 34 hostages confirmed dead by the IDF.

In a late-November truce, Hamas released 105 civilians, following the earlier release of four other hostages. Eight hostages were rescued alive by Israeli forces, and the bodies of 37 hostages have also been recovered, including three killed unintentionally by Israeli military efforts during escape attempts. Additionally, Hamas is believed to be holding two Israeli civilians who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015, as well as the bodies of two IDF soldiers killed in 2014.

Source

Full Video

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