Lt. Col. Dr. Avi Banov shared with Reuters that the released hostages had been held in isolation and darkness for up to eight consecutive months with no medical treatment provided for injuries sustained since October 7. 2023.
One of the suspects leveraged his position within the air defense interceptor disposition, using it to provide classified information that could compromise national security. He recorded a video showing Iron Dome capabilities.
Initial Israeli assessments suggested that of the 33 hostages slated for release in phase one, 25 were alive. However, Hamas' updated list reveals a slightly different count
Israel has confirmed that Hamas will release Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, and an additional hostage on Thursday, as part of an early phase of the negotiated deal. By the end of the week, six hostages in total are expected to return to Israel.
Amid withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza, IDF forces are repositioning around the Gaza Strip, constructing series of permanent defensive outposts. Simultaneously, tens of thousands of Palestinians have begun moving back to northern Gaza.
The northern ceasefire, which commenced on November 27 and extended for 60 days until Saturday, included Hezbollah's commitment to withdraw north of the Litani River. In exchange, Israel was expected to complete its withdrawal beyond the Blue Line – the internationally recognized border.
Netanyahu's inner circle has been communicating that the military campaign against Hamas has not reached a permanent end, noting the conditions in which operations could resume in full force.
"A defeated Hezbollah is exploiting its media platforms to challenge Lebanese interests and deflect attention from its leadership's transgressions that have brought southern Lebanon to this situation," IDF says.
They watched the protests calling for their release on Al Jazeera, and spoke Arabic with their captors. After nearly a full day back in Israel, details are emerging about the harrowing reality of 477 days in Gaza.
On October 7, Keith and Aviva Siegel were abducted from their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. After 51 days, Aviva was released in the first hostage deal, but Keith remained in Gaza. In April 2024, a video confirmed he was alive, in which he said, 'It's very important to me that you know I'm okay.'