WATCH: The incredible moments hostages are reunited with parents
The Israeli authorities have just released this incredible footage of the moments Liri Elbag, Naama Levy, Daniela Gilboa and Karina Ariev are finally reunited with their parents
200 Palestinian prisoners released including those with blood on their hands
Fireworks and jubilant crowds greet the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners in Ramallah. More than half were serving life sentences including for murder, of which 70 will be immediately deported to countries including Qatar and Turkey.
President Isaac Herzog reacts to second hostage release
“Daniella, Liri, Naama, and Karina—you are heroes! Welcome back home!We watched you smile, and we wept. An entire nation weeps and rejoices with you at this moment. We are overjoyed to see you smiling and finally reunited with your wonderful families. We pray that you find strength in your journey of healing and recovery, surrounded by endless love and support.
“With bitter tears and a joyful heart” — at this moment, our hearts are with the Bibas, Yehud, and Berger families, and with all the anxious and worried families whose loved ones have not yet returned. We will not rest until we bring back all our sisters and brothers from the hell of captivity in Gaza – the living to their loving families, and the fallen and murdered to be laid to rest in dignity.”
Statement from the family of Arbel Yehoud
“Our hearts are filled with joy at the return of Karina, Daniella, Liri and Naama. We eagerly await the moment when we can embrace our Arbel”
Released hostage Liri Albag in helicopter selfie: ‘I love you citizens of Israel, I’m back!’

Released hostage soldier Liri Albag is seen in a selfie with her parents aboard an Israeli Air Force helicopter, before heading to a hospital.
“I love you citizens of Israel, IDF soldiers. And my family!!” Albag writes on a whiteboard.
“I’m back,” she concludes in English, along with two smiley faces.
Pictured: Liri Elbag with her parents
Liri is one of four female soldier hostages released today.
Family of released hostage Karina Ariev: ‘We are finally able to hear her voice, see her smile that fills us with light’

From our partners Times of Israel:
The family of Karina Ariev say that they are thrilled that she has finally returned home, but their hearts are with the others still held hostage in Gaza.
“Our hearts are filled with immense gratitude and happiness. After 477 long and harrowing days of pain, worry and endless anxiety, we were finally able to hug our beloved Karina, hear her voice, and see her smile that fills us with light again,” the family says in a statement.
“Our Karina is a symbol of courage, strength of heart and determination, and we are proud of her beyond words,” the family says, thanking everyone who has supported them over the past 15 months.
“At the same time, our hearts are with the family of [hostage] Agam Berger and the other women who are still waiting for their miracle,” the Arievs say. “We will not be silent and will not rest until each and every one of them returns home.”
Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag were freed by Hamas this morning after they were taken from the Nahal Oz base, along with Berger, on October 7, 2023. Berger remains in captivity.
Family of freed hostage Liri Albag: ‘She showed superpowers and survived hell’
From our partners Times of Israel:
The family of Liri Albag say that the freed hostage “showed superpowers and survived hell,” and pledge to continue to fight for the return of the remaining captives.
“A sense of relief and happiness envelops us after 477 long and unbearable days of nerve-wracking waiting. We were finally able to see Liri, hug her and know that she is with us, in her safe place, surrounded by the love of her family,” the family says in a statement.
“Liri showed superpowers and survived hell, and we are so proud of her for her steadfastness in the impossible conditions,” the family says.
The Albags say that their hearts are with the families of Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, the Bibas family and all the other hostages who are still waiting to return home.
“Our thoughts are with them, even in these moments of joy, and we are determined to fight until the last of the hostages returns home,” the family says.
Prime Minister’s Office gives ultimatum to Hamas
After the release of the 4 kidnapped women this morning, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that “in accordance with the agreement, Israel will not allow Gazans to cross into the northern Gaza Strip – until the release of civilian Arbel Yehud is arranged.” Hamas to Al Jazeera: “We informed the mediators that Arbel Yehud is alive – and will be released next Saturday.” Islamic Jihad source: “She is in our hands.”
Source: YNet
Netanyahu welcomes the return of four female hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed the return of four female hostages and pledged to return all still held by Hamas.
In a post on X, Netanyahu said:”Together with the entire people of Israel, my wife and I embrace you with all our hearts! We will continue to work to return all of our abductees home – both the living and the dead.”
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog also said:”We watched you smile, and we wept. An entire nation weeps and rejoices with you at this moment.”
Herzog added:”We will not rest until we bring back all our sisters and brothers from the hell of captivity in Gaza – the living to their loving families, and the fallen and murdered to be laid to rest in dignity.”
Daniela Gilboa’s sister: ‘The rumours that she was dead tore me apart. Now the fears are gone’
Noam Gilboa, the sister of the IDF observer who was released from captivity today, said: “Until I saw her, I didn’t agree to be happy. But there’s something different in her eyes.”
She was speaking about the psychological terror video that Hamas distributed about two months ago, which hinted that Daniela had been killed.
She added: “I imagine her calming everyone down and saying – ‘Where have you been until now?’
In a conversation with Ynet, Noam added that the footage of Daniela being handed over to the Red Cross “overwhelmed all my emotions.”
Source: YNet
Israel has released 70 Palestinian prisoners into Egypt, state-run Egyptian television says
Egypt’s state-run Qahera TV says Israel has released 70 Palestinian prisoners into Egypt under the Gaza ceasefire deal.
The network says they arrived at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip.
Hamas earlier released four female Israeli soldiers held hostage since October 7, 2023. Israel is expected to release a total of 200 Palestinian prisoners or detainees today, some 70 of whom will be sent into exile, in exchange for the four.
Israel may demand proof of life or guarantee that Arbel Yehud is alive and will be freed next week
Israel may demand that the Gaza terror groups provide some kind of sign of life or guarantee that female civilian hostage Arbel Yehud is alive and will be released next Saturday, Channel 12 news reports.
According to Israel, Hamas violated the terms of the deal by releasing female hostage soldiers before all of the living civilian women captives.
Bibas family: ‘World came crashing down’ when Shiri, kids weren’t slated for release
From our partners at Times of Israel
Hostages’ relatives decry Israeli media’s failure to convey ‘our pain, our struggle’ after Hamas violated deal by releasing captive female soldiers before civilian women.
Hostage Arbel Yehud ‘is alive and will be released next Saturday’
From our partners Times of Israel…
An official from the Hamas terror group tells the Reuters news agency that mediators have been informed that civilian female hostage Arbel Yehud is alive and will be released next Saturday.
A similar message is conveyed to the Al Jazeera network by the terror group, however, there is no formal announcement from Hamas on the matter.
The comment comes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel will not allow Palestinians to return to the northern Gaza Strip until Hamas arranges the release of Yehud, believed to be held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group.
IDF condemns Hamas’s ‘cynical’ handover
IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari condemns Hamas’s “cynical” handover ceremony of released hostages. “Hamas is a murderous terror group. In the last few hours Hamas proved its cruelty by organising a cynical ceremony.”
IDF: ‘We are extremely concerned about welfare of Bibas family’

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari: “We cannot and will not forget the 90 hostages that still remain in brutal conditions in Hamas captivity. We are extremely concerned about the welfare of the Bibas family. IDF troops will continue to do everything to protect the citizens of Israel. Our mission is not over until every single hostage comes home.”
Report: Freed hostage Emily Damari asked if another captive could take her place

Before she was released from Gaza last week, Emily Damari asked her captors for a favour: to let her neighbour Keith Siegel go free instead.
That’s according to a report in Israeli media after Damari was released and on the eve of a second expected release of Israeli hostages from Gaza.
Siegel, 65, and Damari were both taken captive by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023, from Kfar Aza, the kibbutz of roughly 760 people in southern Israel where they lived. Damari, 28, is the same age as one of Siegel’s four children; his wife Aviva was also abducted but released in November 2023 during a temporary ceasefire.
The request was denied, according to the report, which first aired on Israel’s Channel 12.
The report suggests that at least some of the remaining hostages are being kept together and offers new evidence that Siegel is alive inside Gaza. An immigrant from the United States, Siegel appeared in a hostage video released by Hamas last April. His mother died in December in North Carolina, where he grew up.
Four released hostages ‘in relatively good physical condition’
Released hostage soldiers Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag are in relatively good physical condition, military officials say.
The four were checked by army doctors when they were handed over to the IDF by the Red Cross inside Gaza.
“Their medical condition is normal, with no findings that require special medical intervention on the ground,” the officials say.
Al Jazeera airs new footage of Hamas chief Sinwar before his killing
One clip shows Sinwar on battlefield, another shows him in an apartment, looking at a map. Owner of building where IDF killed Sinwar says it’s become a macabre tourist attraction
Parents see their daughters for first time
Footage shows the parents of the four hostages freed today watching their release at a military facility near Re’im.
The families of Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag scream with joy as their daughters appear on the screen.
The four newly released hostages are now meeting with their parents.
Israel blocks northern Gaza return until Arbel Yehud freed
Israel will not allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza until Hamas releases civilian hostage Arbel Yehud, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has announced.
“Israel has received four female hostage soldiers from the Hamas terrorist group today, and in return will release security prisoners,” the PMO states.
“According to the agreement, Israel will not permit the passage of Gazans to the northern Gaza Strip until the release of civilian Arbel Yehud, who was supposed to be freed today,” the statement concludes.
Four female hostages handed over by Hamas arrive back in Israel
The latest four hostages to be released by Hamas – Daniela Gilboa, Liri Elbag, Naama Levy and Karina Ariev – have arrived back in Israel, the IDF has confirmed.
In a statement on X on Saturday the IDF said: “The four returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
“The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel.
“The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks everyone to respect the privacy of the returning hostages and their families.”
Earlier the four were led on to a podium in Gaza City amid a large crowd of Palestinians and surrounded by dozens of armed Hamas men.
The four females in military uniform then entered the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) vehicles.
The four were led on to a podium in Gaza City amid a large crowd of Palestinians and surrounded by dozens of armed Hamas men.
Gunmen and crowds gathered in Palestine Square in Gaza City as the hostages were released to the Red Cross in another heavily staged handover.
Israeli soldiers were pictured preparing a helipad at the Beilinson Schneider complex in Petah Tikva, Israel, ahead of the arrival of the four released Israeli hostages as part of a prisoner-hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas.
Crowds also gathered in Tel Aviv where a cheer rose up in Hostage Square when the prisoners were announced to have returned to Israel.
IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari later said that the freed hostages were meeting their families, and that the army are awaiting the release of the rest of the Israeli civilians and soldiers in captivity.
“Agam Berger is still being held captive by Hamas,” he added. “We are committed to bringing her back and ensuring the return of all the hostages.
“The parents are now meeting their daughters at the reception center in [Kibbutz] Re’im.
“We have completed the preparations for their return. From there, they will continue with their parents to the hospital. On the morning of October 7, the female soldiers acted bravely against the enemy.
“Many fell in the fierce battle – we embrace the families and stand with them,” Hagari said.
“We continue to make progress in implementing the agreement for the return of the hostages, and we are responsibly awaiting the arrival of additional hostages in the near future.
“Hamas has not fulfilled its agreement to prioritise the return of civilian hostages.
“We will insist that Arbel Yehoud returns, as well as Shiri and the children of the Bibas family, for whom we are gravely concerned.” he added.
Ben Gvir: Hostages should be freed through force, not surrender
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir issues a statement welcoming home the three released Israeli hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher, after he voted against the agreement that secured their release.
“We are happy and excited about your return and await the return of the remaining hostages — through the use of [military] force, cutting off fuel [to Gaza] and stopping the flow of humanitarian aid [to the Strip] — not through surrender,” Ben Gvir tweets.
Emily Damari missing two fingers on her left hand
Injured but smiling: Pictured with her mother Mandy.
First picture of Emily Damari reunited with her mother, Mandy
The image we feared we’d never see: mum and daughter reunited!

‘Thank you for bringing Emily home’
The mother of the last British hostage freed from Gaza on Sunday has expressed gratitude to supporters worldwide for their help over the past 15 months, while urging continued focus on the 94 Israelis still held captive.
British-Israeli Emily Damari was set free on Sunday alongside Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher after delays to a ceasefire deal which secured the phased release of those in captivity as well as a pause in the Israel-Hamas war.
Full story HERE
Mandy Damari on her daughter Emily’s release
“After 471 days Emily is finally home. I want to thank everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal, and who never stopped saying her name. In Israel, Britain, the United States, and around the world. Thank you for bringing Emily home. While Emily’s nightmare in Gaza is over, for too many other families the impossible wait continues. Every last hostage must be released, and humanitarian aid must be provided to the hostages who are still waiting to come home. We ask that the media please respect Emily’s and our family’s privacy during this time.”
IDF says released hostages are reunited with their mothers
Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher have reached an IDF facility near the border with the Gaza Strip and are with their mothers, the military says. The IDF says the three hostages will undergo an initial medical assessment at the facility before they are taken to hospitals to meet the rest of their families.
Keir Starmer: ‘release of three hostages wonderful and long-overdue’
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the release of three hostages including British citizen Emily Damari was “wonderful and long-overdue news after months of agony for them and their families”.
Lawyer for Emily Damari ‘cannot wait to meet her’
Lawyers for the families of British and British-linked hostages confirmed the news of Ms Damari’s release.
In a post on X, Adam Wagner and Adam Rose said: “We are delighted that our client, Emily Damari, has finally been released, after over 15 months of captivity by Hamas terrorists. We cannot wait to meet her.
“We request now that the family is allowed some peace and space.
“We continue to call for the speedy return of the other four hostages with strong British connections and for whom we act, Eli Sharabi, Yossi Sharabi (deceased), Oded Lifshitz and Avinatan Or, and of all of the other hostages.”
Gazans chant for Hamas as hostages go free
From our partners Times Of Israel…
Live television pictures showed three female hostages exiting a vehicle surrounded by armed Hamas men. The hostages get into vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross as the crowd of fighters chanted the name of the armed wing of Hamas.
“The three women hostages were officially handed over to the Red Cross at Al-Saraya Square in the Al-Rimal neighbourhood in western Gaza City,” a Hamas official tells AFP. “This occurred after a member of the Red Cross team met with them and ensured their well-being.”
IDF leaves this message for the hostages
The IDF left this message for the hostages on their route back to Israel through Gaza:
“It’s so good to have you home.
We turned worlds to find you.” ❤️
Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher seen walking unaided
Images show the three Israeli hostages arriving at the square in central Gaza City and being handed over to the Red Cross. Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher are seen walking unaided.
IDF calls hostage mothers to border base for reunion
Hebrew media now reporting that the IDF has called the mothers of the three hostages to a meeting point at a base near the Gaza border.
Emily Damari’s family: ‘These final few hours most agonising you can imagine’
Emily Cohen, who represents Emily Damari’s family, said: “These final few hours have been the most agonising that you can imagine, after nearly 500 days of unending torment for Mandy and all the other families.
“Obviously this is amazing news for Mandy and Emily’s entire family, but she will only believe it when she actually gets to see Emily alive and give her that hug she’s been dreaming of.
“Being so close to that moment makes the pain even more intense.
“As a mother, seeing how Mandy has campaigned tirelessly for Emily for the past 471 days has been utterly inspiring.
“I cannot begin to explain how brave and fearless she has been fighting for her daughter, pressuring world leaders and international organisations relentlessly and constantly.
“Given how unbearable the last few hours have been and the rollercoaster of emotions, please respect Mandy’s privacy at this very critical time.
“I know she wants everyone to know how deeply grateful she is to the British public, MPs, football supporters and strangers from around the world, who have been praying and campaigning for Emily’s release.”
Red Cross team on its way to pick up hostages
Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari set to be handed from Hamas to the Red Cross, which will transfer them to IDF troops.
Ad Feedback
Hostage’s daughter: Incredible to imagine Emily Damari will hug her mum today
London-based film-maker Sharone Lifschitz, whose father remains a hostage, said “we can start healing” once all the hostages are freed.
She told BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: “It’s incredible to imagine that Emily (Damari) will be hugging her mum Mandy today. That’s wonderful.”
Ms Lifschitz said she knew her father, Oded, was alive in Gaza in late October 2023 but has heard no news of him since.
“He was frail and he was shot in the hand,” she told the programme. “His chances are not great but we will know.”
Of her mother, who was also taken hostage but freed previously, Ms Lifschitz said: “I think for my mum and the other hostages they all know people that they left behind when they were released.
“My mum, what she says is that she closes her eyes and she’s back in the tunnels, and she’s there with those that are still there.
“When we have them back, we can start healing as a society.”
Tony Blair: ‘Ceasefire deal marks a crucial step’
Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair has said the ceasefire deal “marks a crucial step towards ending the devastation” of the conflict since October 2023.
Sir Tony said in a statement: “I welcome the ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas.
“This marks a crucial step toward ending the devastation and heartbreak of the past 15 months, which saw immense loss of life and widespread destruction in Gaza, as well as profound anguish for the hostages and their families.
“Now is the time to focus on rebuilding and creating a different, better reality for Gaza, one which provides Palestinians in Gaza with a future of hope, and Israelis with the security they need.”
Foreign Office ‘stand ready to support Emily’
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “The UK Government welcomes the reports that British national Emily Damari is on the list of hostages to be released by Hamas today. We stand ready to support her upon her release. We urge both sides to implement all phases of the deal in full and for all hostages to be returned.”
Second release of hostages ‘could be Saturday 25 January’
Jotam Confino @MrConfino says: “Israel is expected to receive a list with the names of four hostages 24 hours before their release, so sometime on Friday.”
Families call for mass gathering at Tel Aviv Hostages Square from 4pm local time

From our partners Times of Israel
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum calls on the public to gather at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square ahead of the expected release of Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher.
The forum calls on the public to assemble at the square from 4 p.m.
“Crowds of Israelis will come to be together at Hostages Square, to support the families of the hostages and to watch the historic and emotional moments that will be projected on the giant screen,” the forum says.
“Now, more than ever, we need the people of Israel with us, until the last hostage. Nobody will be left behind,” the forum says.
‘It’s like waiting for a birth’: Father of Romi Gonen on her release from Gaza captivity

“This is the moment we have waited for over 11,000 hours. Maybe in the next 24 hours, we will finally embrace Romi.”
Source: Jerusalem Post
Relatives of 3 hostages set to be released express joy: Her mum just wants to hug her
From our partners Times of Israel
Relatives of Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher — the three Israeli hostages set to be released later today — express their joy that their loved ones are coming home, but say there’s a “long road ahead.”
Eitan Gonen tells the Kan public broadcaster that while Israeli officials have not provided information on his daughter’s condition, “Romi is finally coming home, alive, there is nothing more joyful than that.”
A source close to the Damari family tells the BBC that it has been a “torturous 471 days but a particularly torturous 24 hours.”
“All Emily’s mum Mandy wants to do is hug Emily. But she won’t believe it until she sees it,” the source tells the British broadcaster.
“Until she’s out and Mandy can actually see that she’s out. It hasn’t happened until it happens. It’s not done until it’s done. And there’s a long road ahead,” the source says.
Michal Mayo, a cousin of Doron Steinbrecher, breaks down in tears during an interview with the Kan public broadcaster as the host tells her that the release of Doron later in the day has been made public.
“How good that she is coming home,” Mayo says.
Pictured: Palestinians celebrating ceasefire
Pic: Jotam Confino @MrConfino
Some 200 trucks of humanitarian aid start to arrive at Gaza crossing as ceasefire begins

From our partners Times of Israel
About 200 aid delivery trucks, including 20 carrying fuel, begin arriving at the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom Crossing ahead of entry into the Gaza Strip, two Egyptian sources tell Reuters.
The aid trucks are using the Kerem Shalom entry point pending completion of maintenance and repair work at the Rafah border crossing into southern Gaza from Egypt, the sources say.
The majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced by the war, many more than once.
IDF says doesn’t know when 3 hostages will be released today, but is ready to receive them
From our partner Times of Israel
The military does not know yet when hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher will be released from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip today, but says it is already prepared to receive them.
Hamas is expected to hand over the three female hostages to the Red Cross, which will then hand them over to IDF special forces inside the Gaza Strip.
From there, the hostages will be taken to one of three army facilities established near the border — one near Re’im, one near Kerem Shalom, and one near Erez — for an initial checkup, and then to a hospital to meet with their families.
Hamas says it’s waiting for names of 90 prisoners to be freed by Israel today in hostage-ceasefire deal
From our partner Times of Israel
The Hamas terror group says it is awaiting a list of 90 prisoners to be released by Israel today as part of the hostage-ceasefire deal.
“The occupation is expected to hand over shortly a list containing the names of 90 prisoners from the categories of women and children who are set to be released on the first day of the ceasefire,” Hamas says in statement.
The terror group adds that the deal stipulates “the release of 30 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for one civilian detainee.”
ADL: Wikipedia bans several editors for spreading antisemitic rhetoric, misinformation on Gaza war
From our partners Times of Israel
Wikipedia has banned several editors for using the platform to spread antisemitic rhetoric and misinformation about Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, the Anti-Defamation League says.
These users have spread “malicious, false and biased information about Zionism and Israel across the platform,” says the ADL.
An arbitration committee for the collaborative online encyclopedia banned the users Iskandar323, Selfstudier, Nableezy, Levivich and Nishidani from the Israel-Palestine discussion for operating in bad faith, the watchdog says. Another editor, Ivana, was previously banned from all editing.
Following the decision, “it is now imperative for Wikipedia to begin work immediately to undo the harm caused by these rogue but prolific editors who literally have wreaked havoc across the platform,” the ADL says.
“As we have said before, Wikipedia needs to wake up to the reality that this is a systemic problem across the platform that needs immediate action. There is still a lot more that must be done to ensure that Wikipedia can live up to its policy around the encyclopedia holding a neutral point of view.”
The ADL was labeled as “generally unreliable” regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by Wikipedia’s editors in June. The organization charged that all of the banned users had taken part in a coordinated campaign to smear its credibility.
Thailand welcomes hostage-ceasefire deal, calls for release of its nationals held in Gaza
From our partners Times of Israel
In a statement, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry welcomes the hostage and ceasefire deal and calls for the release of all those held in Gaza, including Thai nationals.
“Thailand welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage deal in the Gaza Strip,” the ministry says.
“Thailand commends Qatar, Egypt and the United States of America, for their pivotal role and continued efforts in mediating the conflicting parties towards the successful conclusion of the deal,” the statement reads.
Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul is returned for burial in Israel after more than 10 years
Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul from Poriya, who was killed in battle at age 21, has been returned for burial in Israel after Hamas held his body for more than a decade.
Oron was an excellent student and scholar who loved art, drawing, and sculpture. He received the President’s Excellence Award on Israel’s 66th Independence Day for performing his duties with dedication.
Oron fell on July 20, 2014, during Operation Protective Edge when his APC was hit by an anti-tank missile. He is survived by his mother Zehava, his late father Herzl, and two brothers: Aviram and Ofek. Returning Oron for eternal rest in Israel fulfills the basic moral and ethical obligation that the State of Israel has to all its citizens.
Source: @BringThemHomeNow
Hostage release scheduled for after 4pm (Israel time) today
Directorate of Hostages, Returnees and Missing Persons in the Prime Minister’s Office: “The families of the hostages have been updated with the list of who will be released today in the first phase. The release is scheduled to take place today, after 4:00 PM.”
Source: Middle East correspondent Jotam Confino @MrConfino
Body of soldier Oron Shaul, killed by Hamas in 2014, recovered
Covert operation to bring remains of slain troop back to Israel carried out by special forces. Leaders vow to return body of Hadar Goldin, another soldier killed in 2014 war
Lammy congratulates Qatari for reaching a ceasefire deal
David Lammy has congratulated the Qatari prime minister for reaching a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, as the deal is due to come into effect on Sunday morning.
The Foreign Secretary wrote on X that he had congratulated Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani for what he called a “monumental diplomatic effort”.
“The UK will continue to work with regional partners to secure lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians,” Lammy added.
Israel says Gaza ceasefire will take effect
From our partners at Times of Israel
News comes after Hamas sent list of 3 hostages to be released today
Shadow foreign secretary: ‘Families in Israel going through unimaginable anxiety’

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel has described the situation in the Middle East as “delicate and fragile” as she urged all parties to “stick with the plan that has been outlined”.
She told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News: “The families in Israel must be just going through the most unimaginable anxiety right now, and the hostage names have now been released.
“The three hostages, Emily is clearly one of them, and her mother, Mandy – many of us have met Mandy, we know the family – but just the sheer anxiety and apprehension that they’ll be feeling it’s just extraordinary.
“So, I think we have to really wait and see what materialises throughout the day, this is a delicate and fragile situation. Getting here to this position has clearly not been easy, certainly for Israel and obviously for the negotiators. I think we pay tribute to the negotiators and absolutely the countries that have led this negotiation.”
Dame Priti went on to describe the ceasefire deal as “vital”, adding: “All parties are calling for it. Countries are calling for it. There’s a lot of hope that is really linked to this new deal and framework.
“I think, you know, everyone will urge both sides to, you know, stick with the plan that has been outlined, recognising it’s difficult, it’s very sensitive. We need to see the hostages released in this first phase, others to come out and clearly then work work together in a constructive way for a better future for the region.”
Daring to hope – Mandy Damari leads post Shabbat vigil for daughter Emily
Pic: Emily Cohen, Negev Desert, Saturday 18th January 2025.
Lawyer for Damari family: ‘Ongoing torture is unimaginable’
The lawyer for the family of British-Israeli Emily Damari – who was kidnapped during the October 7 attack – said the “ongoing torture” they have been through is “unimaginable”.
Adam Rose told Times Radio: “I think it is unimaginable.
“I think the idea that a close family member of yours, or of any of your listeners, is taken early in the morning from their home – I visited Emily’s little house on the kibbutz, bullet-ridden and burnt, last January – and it’s pretty unimaginable to think the terror she went through and the ongoing torture that her family has been put through for 470 days, almost 500 days now.”
Ceasefire to start at 9.15am UK time
Ceasefire was due to start at 6.30am UK time but was delayed after Hamas failed to provide the names of the first three hostages to be freed later today.
Met arrested nearly 80 pro-Palestine activists in London yesterday
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper among those to praise police response saying those attending synagogue should be allowed to ‘worship in peace’
Israel ‘checking the details’ of Hamas list
Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirms that Israel has officially received the list of hostages who are slated to be released today. It says that the security establishment is currently “checking the details.” Gal Hirsch, the government’s point person on the return of the hostages, has updated the families of the three female hostages expected to be returned to Israel today, the PMO says.
Romi, Emily and Doron set to be released today
Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Jewish News live updates. Today promises to be deeply painful, moving, and profoundly harrowing. Hamas has announced plans to release hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher in the coming hours. Stay tuned for the latest updates, photos, and reactions throughout the day.
Israel Prison Service to prevent ‘public displays of joy’ as Palestinian prisoners released
The Israel Prison Service is implementing measures to prevent “public displays of joy” as Palestinian prisoners are set to be released under the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
In a statement, the service confirmed it is preparing for the exchange of prisoners for Israeli hostages held in Gaza, which the Prime Minister’s Office indicated could begin on Sunday.
Preparations are underway at two prisons—one near Jerusalem and another near Ashkelon—where prisoners slated for release are being gathered.
Russia, Iran leaders express hope Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal will lead to stability
From our partners at Times of Israel
Russia hopes that the ceasefire in Gaza will lead to long-term stabilization of the region, President Vladimir Putin says at a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian.
Pezeshkian says he hoped the ceasefire would be implemented.
Putin says it was important not to weaken efforts toward a comprehensive settlement of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, leading to the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
Hamas slated to provide list on Saturday of 3 hostages to be released on Sunday
From our partners at Times of Israel
The hostage deal stipulates that Hamas provide Israel with the names of the hostages it will release 24 hours in advance.
This means that tomorrow, Hamas will provide the names of the three Israelis slated for release on Sunday.
The three are widely expected to be among the list of female civilians.
Statement from Israel’s President Isaac Herzog
“This is a vital step toward fulfilling the highest covenant between the state and its citizens. There is no greater moral, human, Jewish, and Israeli duty. We must bring all of our hostages back home. I harbour no illusions — the deal will bring with it great challenges and painful, agonising moments that we will need to overcome and face together.”
Ben Gvir made last-minute bid to scupper deal
Ben Gvir issued a last-minute plea for other members of the government to vote against the deal with Hamas that was approved by the security cabinet a short while ago.
The national security minister Itamar said he is “even more terrified” of the deal given new details about the Palestinian security prisoners who will be released in exchange for Israeli hostages.
“Everyone knows that these terrorists will try to harm again, try to kill again,” he said.
Statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office
“Following an evaluation of all diplomatic, security and humanitarian aspects, and while understanding that the proposed deal supports the achievement of the objectives of the war, the Security Cabinet has recommended that the Government approve the proposed framework.”
Israel’s security cabinet approves Hamas ceasefire
Middle East correspondent Jotam Confino reports:
“Following an evaluation of all diplomatic, security and humanitarian aspects, and while understanding that the proposed deal supports the achievement of the objectives of the war, the Security Cabinet has recommended that the Government approve the proposed framework.”
It will now go to a vote in the full government.
Source: @MrConfino
Herzog welcomes security cabinet approval of Gaza deal, says he ‘expects the government to do so as well’
From our partners Times of Israel
President Isaac Herzog welcomes the decision of the security cabinet to approve the ceasefire-hostage release deal, “and I expect the government to do so as well soon.”
“This is a vital step on the path to upholding the basic commitment a nation has to its citizens,” he adds. Herzog says he is under “no illusions” that the agreement will not have its challenges and “painful and agonizing moments.”
The president says he feels especially for the families of the hostages who know that their loved ones will not return in the first six-week stage of the deal: “We have to bring everyone home. Everyone! We will not rest or be silent until it happens.”
Cabinet votes to approve the hostage release-ceasefire deal
Israel’s security cabinet has approved the hostage release-ceasefire deal , the Prime Minister’s Office says.
The deal will now move to the full cabinet for a discussion and vote expected to be held before Shabbat begins.
The recommendation was made “after examining all diplomatic, security and humanitarian” aspects of the agreement, with the understanding that the deal “supports the achievement of the war’s goals,” the PMO says.
Full government to convene at 3:30 p.m. to approve hostage-ceasefire deal with Hamas
From our partners Times of Israel
The full Israeli government will convene today at 3:30 p.m. (Israel time) to approve the hostage-ceasefire deal with Hamas, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says.
The meeting was not expected to take place until tomorrow evening after Shabbat ends.
Netanyahu convened the security cabinet earlier today for a hearing on the deal, signed late last night in Doha.
Prisons Service says it will transport Palestinian prisoners slated for release in Gaza deal, not Red Cross
From our partners Times of Israel
The Israel Prisons Service says it is gearing up to process the release of Palestinian security prisoners as part of the hostage-ceasefire deal with Hamas.
According to a leaked copy of the agreement, more than 1,700 Palestinian prisoners are to be freed in return for 33 Israeli hostages in the first phase of the deal: 700 terrorists, 250-300 of whom are serving life terms; 1,000 Gazans captured since October 8 in fighting in the Strip; and 47 rearrested prisoners from the 2011 Gilad Shalit deal.
A statement from the Prisons Service says that Israeli authorities will facilitate the first part of the prisoners’ transport, not the Red Cross, to ensure that “the terrorists do not deviate from the strict security guidelines and refrain from any expression of joy within Israeli territory.”
Syria blocks arms smuggling into Lebanon
Syria’s Public Security Directorate has announced the successful interception of an illegal arms smuggling operation into Lebanon via a border crossing in the Tartous area.
Images released by Syrian media reveal a haul of rifles, grenade launchers, drones, and other weapons seized by authorities.
Israel has expressed ongoing concerns over weapons from the former Assad regime potentially reaching Hezbollah in Lebanon. In recent months, the IDF has targeted several border crossings between Syria and Lebanon to disrupt arms transfers to the Lebanese terror group.
4o
Hostage families say Gaza deal will be ‘hard’

From our partners Times of Israel
As the cabinet convenes to vote on the hostage deal, four hostage family members hold a press conference at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square.
Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, says she is the closest she’s been in 468 days to hugging her son.
“We can’t let any political considerations ruin this opportunity,” she says.
Zangauker, one of the hostage family members who has repeatedly blamed the government for the hostage situation, protesting daily at Tel Aviv’s Begin rallies, calls on Israelis to join the protests and demand the complete fulfillment of all stages of the deal.
“This deal will shake us all, it will be hard,” says Zangauker. “Join us, my Matan and all the hostages need you with us.”
Anat Angrest, mother of Matan Angrest, a combat soldier who was wounded and taken hostage from his tank on October 7, notes that her son’s name is not on the list of 33 hostages that will be released home in the first stage of the hostage deal.
“You who should have been on the top of the list aren’t even on it,” says Angrest. “We didn’t convince the government over the last 15 months that your blood is worth the same as the others.”
The grandson of Oded Lifshitz, 84, who is on the list of 33 hostages, says his grandfather is the only great-grandfather in the world held hostage.
“We didn’t believe that 15 months would pass that a great-grandfather is held hostage and the world doesn’t help him and the Israeli government doesn’t help him and I pray for the moment that he will return on his own two legs and we’ll welcome him with love,” says Daniel Lifshitz.
He speaks of some 30 hostages who have been killed in captivity in Gaza, and that this deal is too late for them, many of whom were his friends and his grandparents’ friends.
Lifschitz adds, “On Sunday, we will begin a new history of this country, it will be hard, and I ask you to honor the hostage families’ privacy.”
easyJet to resume flights to Israel
Budget airline easyJet has announced it will resume flights to Israel from 1 June, after suspending its routes to Tel Aviv following Iran’s first direct attack on Israel in April.
It plans to operate 38 weekly flights connecting Israel with London, Geneva, Amsterdam, Milan, Berlin, Basel, and Nice.
The news follows Hungary-based Wizz Air’s recent resumption of its London-to-Tel Aviv route and Germany’s Lufthansa Group confirming its airlines will resume flights from Israel starting 1 February.
Orange birthday balloons for hostage Kfir Bibas
Tel Aviv residents display orange balloons in honor of hostage Kfir Bibas’ 2 year old birthday.
Pic: Twitter/X
Security Cabinet discussion has begun
Prime Minister of Israel: “The Security Cabinet discussion has begun, at the Prime Minister’s Office. Before the meeting, an operational security assessment was held on the implementation of the agreement, chaired by Prime Minister Netanyahu, together with the negotiating team which has returned from Doha.”
Netanyahu convenes security cabinet to vote on hostage-ceasefire deal
From our partners Times of Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened the security cabinet for a hearing on the hostage release-ceasefire deal, his office says.
Prior to the meeting, Netanyahu took part in a security assessment to discuss the implementation of the deal with the negotiating team, which returned overnight from Doha after signing the final version of the agreement.
The meeting of the full cabinet, which is also required to approve the deal before it can go into effect, is not expected to take place until tomorrow evening, angering many family members of the hostages who have proclaimed that the life-saving nature of the agreement should override Shabbat.
In a previous statement, Netanyahu’s office clarified that the deal would be implemented as planned on Sunday despite the delays, with the first hostages expected to be released that day.
Families of the 33 hostages expected to be set free in the first phase notified
The government’s hostages and missing persons coordination unit has informed the families of 33 Israeli hostages set to be freed in the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
The list includes so-called “humanitarian” cases: women, children, elderly individuals, and those who are infirm. The hostages will be returned over 42 days.
Notably, Israel has not yet been told how many of the 33 are alive but expects the majority are. A full status report on all those listed will be provided seven days into the ceasefire. Unconfirmed media reports suggest Israel has pushed for the living to be returned first, with bodies to follow at the end.
1. Liri Albag
2. Itzhik Elgarat
3. Karina Ariev
4. Ohad Ben-Ami
5. Ariel Bibas
6. Yarden Bibas
7. Kfir Bibas
8. Shiri Silberman Bibas
9. Agam Berger
10. Romi Gonen
11. Danielle Gilboa
12. Emily Damari
13. Sagui Dekel-Chen
14. Yair Horn
15. Omer Wenkert
16. Alexander Troufanov
17. Arbel Yehud
18. Ohad Yahalomi
19. Eliya Cohen
20. Or Levy
21. Naama Levy
22. Oded Lifshitz
23. Gadi Moshe Moses
24. Avera Mengistu
25. Shlomo Mansur
26. Keith Siegel
27. Tsahi Idan
28. Ofer Calderon
29. Tal Shoham
30. Doron Steinbrecher
31. Omer Shem-Tov
32. Hisham Al Sayed
33. Eli Sharabi
Hostages will be treated at Israel’s Sheba Hospital
The hospital said: “This is where the hostages will stay in the coming days and weeks. They will be checked by a special medical staff and be pampered by support personnel as well, from fresh new clothes to toiletries and beauty care to specially prepared meals.”
Symbolic coffins displayed in Jerusalem to protest hostage deal

Symbolic coffins seen in Jerusalem today to protest a hostage deal as Israel’s security cabinet is set to convene to decide whether to approve a deal that would release dozens of hostages held by terrorists in Gaza and pause the 15-month-war.
IDF: Nova festival terrorist killed in airstrike
Hamas member who participated in Nova festival massacre killed in overnight airstrike, IDF says, amid dozens of attacks across enclave that terror group claims endangered a hostage
Israeli media: First hostages released 4pm Sunday
Israeli media is reporting that the hostage-ceasefire deal will proceed as planned on Sunday, despite the delayed Israeli government meetings.
Channel 12 reports that the first hostage release is set for Sunday at 4pm, involving three women abducted by Hamas on 7 October 2023
Miles of tunnels and thousands of terrorists: What Hamas looks like after deal
From our partner Ynet
Hamas still retains undiscovered tunnels, untouched brigades and thousands of terrorists, but much of its leadership has been eliminated; Despite significant IDF successes in Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and across Gaza, the ground campaign is far from over and could continue for years.
Full story HERE
List of 33 hostages due to be freed in first phase of ceasefire deal
From our partners Times of Israel
The following is a list of the 33 hostages that are due to be released in the first stage of the ceasefire deal with the Hamas terror group. The list is not in order of release, and does not indicate the condition of the hostages. Israel believes that most of the 33 are alive.
Each day, once the hostages have been received by IDF troops and the families are updated, the Prime Minister’s Office will issue a statement with the names of the captives that have been released.
1. Liri Albag
2. Itzhik Elgarat
3. Karina Ariev
4. Ohad Ben-Ami
5. Ariel Bibas
6. Yarden Bibas
7. Kfir Bibas
8. Shiri Silberman Bibas
9. Agam Berger
10. Romi Gonen
11. Danielle Gilboa
12. Emily Damari
13. Sagui Dekel-Chen
14. Yair Horn
15. Omer Wenkert
16. Alexander Troufanov
17. Arbel Yehud
18. Ohad Yahalomi
19. Eliya Cohen
20. Or Levy
21. Naama Levy
22. Oded Lifshitz
23. Gadi Moshe Moses
24. Avera Mengistu
25. Shlomo Mansur
26. Keith Siegel
27. Tsahi Idan
28. Ofer Calderon
29. Tal Shoham
30. Doron Steinbrecher
31. Omer Shem-Tov
32. Hisham Al Sayed
33. Eli Sharabi
Ben Gvir repeats threat to quit coalition if deal is confirmed
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has reaffirmed that his Otzma Yehudit party will exit the coalition if the hostage-ceasefire deal with Hamas, signed in Doha last night, is approved — a decision expected today or tomorrow.
Highlighting his achievements in bolstering the Israel Police, Prisons Service, and Border Police during his tenure, Ben Gvir expressed his intent to leave the government “with a heavy heart.”
“I deeply respect Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and will ensure he remains prime minister,” he said, “but I cannot remain in a government that approves a disastrous deal. This agreement frees hundreds of terrorists with blood on their hands, who will inevitably seek to harm Jews again. It permits the return of thousands of armed terrorists to northern Gaza, whose sole aim is to kill Jews, undermines Israel’s defensive positions on the Philadelphia axis, and reverses the hard-fought gains of the war.”
Ben Gvir also indicated that his party might rejoin the government if the IDF resumes its military campaign against Hamas following the ceasefire.
“We will not topple this government and will provide support from the outside, but we cannot be complicit in a defeatist agreement,” he added.
Key broker in Shalit hostage deal: ‘Bad deal but the best available’
Gershon Baskin, a longtime Israeli activist who played a key role in brokering the Shalit deal says the agreement facing approval now was “a bad deal” for many reasons — but also the best available. Despite past experience, he tweeted a wish that the release of security prisoners would not lead to more attacks. “Many Palestinian prisoners will be released, not all of them to their homes,” he wrote. “I hope that they never return to violence. I hope that Israel never arrests them again.”
Netanyahu races to keep coalition intact over Hostage-Ceasefire Deal
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting for the sixth time in two days with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, seeking to prevent the Religious Zionism leader from leaving the coalition over the hostage-ceasefire agreement, Channel 12 reports.
The report claims the government may issue a separate decision to appease Smotrich, affirming that the war against Hamas will continue until its military and governing capacities are destroyed. The decision could also set a new goal: eradicating terrorism in the West Bank.
Even if Smotrich and fellow far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir vote against the deal, Channel 12 predicts it will pass both the security cabinet and the full cabinet.
Ben Gvir is reportedly considering pulling his Otzma Yehudit party from the coalition and is expected to hold a press conference soon.
Reporters ejected from Blinken’s final press briefing
(JTA)
Two journalists accusing Israel of genocide and other atrocities were expelled from Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s final press conference, in one case getting dragged out while repeatedly screaming, “Why aren’t you in the Hague?”
In addition, Blinken said he was “confident” that an impending ceasefire in Gaza and Israel would be implemented on Sunday despite last-minute squabbles among Israeli lawmakers.
Blinken spoke extensively about Israel and the war in Gaza during the hourlong press conference, as well as about wars in Ukraine and Sudan and the Biden administration’s approach to world affairs. At a few points during the first half of the press conference, however, he was heckled by two attendees who accused the United States, and Blinken himself, of being complicit in genocide.
First, Max Blumenthal — who regularly criticises Israel and the United States while defending dictators such as Syria’s Bashar Assad and appearing on Russian state television — accused the United States of allowing Israel to kill hundreds of Palestinian journalists. He then accused Blinken of “sacrific[ing] the rules-based order on the mantle of your commitment to Zionism.”
Blumenthal, who is Jewish and the editor of the publication The Grayzone, added, “You helped destroy our religion, Judaism, by associating it with fascism.” He also accused Israel, and Blinken, of “genocide” and said Israel was perpetrating “the Holocaust of our time.”
About 10 minutes later, independent journalist Sam Husseini, who had previously interrupted Blinken with a question, called out a series of questions regarding Israel’s widely assumed nuclear capabilities, its military conduct in Gaza and charges in the International Court of Justice that it committed genocide. He asked the questions while being forcibly removed from the room by multiple security guards, who he said had “manhandled” him.
Blinken told him to “respect the process” and save questions for later.
“Everybody from Amnesty International to the ICJ say Israel’s doing genocide and extermination, and you’re telling me to respect the process? Criminal,” Husseini responded while being dragged out of the room. Then, he repeated three times, “Why aren’t you in the Hague?”
(The International Court of Justice, which is located in the Hague, Netherlands, has received a complaint against Israel from South Africa but has not determined that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian activists have regularly accused Israel of genocide; Israel vehemently denies the charge and says it takes measures to limit civilian casualties.)
Following the interruptions, Blinken answered a series of questions about Israel, expressing confidence that an announced ceasefire would move forward on Sunday despite ongoing spats over its content. He also advocated normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel — a key goal of the Biden administration prior to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. And he called for the establishment of a Palestinian state, a goal of the Biden administration that the Israeli government opposes.
He also said the Biden administration had had differences with Israel over its conduct in Gaza and said Israel had achieved its military goals there “some months ago.”
“On the ceasefire, yes, I am confident, and I fully expect that implementation will begin, as we said, on Sunday,” he said. “Look, it’s not exactly surprising that in a process and a negotiation that has been this challenging, this fraught, you may get a loose end. We’re tying up that loose end as we speak.”
Dowden calls for UK government to press Israeli cabinet to back deal
In the Commons Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden, the former Conservative deputy prime minister, urges David Lammy to “use all the diplomatic efforts of His Majesty’s government… to secure agreement from the Israeli cabinet” over support for a Gaza deal.
IDF says it targeted Hamas terrorists in overnight Gaza strikes
The IDF says that it struck around 50 targets in the Gaza Strip overnight including a terrorist from Hamas’ elite Nukhba force, Hasham Zahadi Abu el-Rous, who reportedly participated in the October 7 massacres.
Yachad note similarity between Gaza deal now and ones presented last year
Yachad UK, who advocate for a political resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, suggest the current Gaza deal could have happened months ago, saying it “is similar to the ones proposed in May and August of last year, and far too many innocent people have died while waiting for politicians to take action.”
A statement from the group added: “This war has been led by extremists who simply do not care for the wellbeing of civilians, and the same people who have fought this war can’t be the ones to lead Israel and Palestine into a better future.”
Israel continues to stall on approving deal
Israel refrained from officially confirming a ceasefire-hostage release deal with Hamas on Thursday afternoon, despite mediators announcing the agreement a day earlier. Officials cited unresolved details and accused Hamas of introducing last-minute obstacles to the negotiations.
Mossad chief David Barnea, leading Israel’s negotiating team, remained in Doha as of Thursday afternoon, according to an official familiar with the discussions. Barnea had been in the Qatari capital since Saturday night.
Hamas’s armed wing issues warning
Terrorist group says continuing Israeli ‘aggression’ in Gaza endangers hostages, despite ceasefire deal. Source: AFP
Netanyahu doesn’t need far-right support for Gaza deal vote
Ex- Israeli minister Yossi Beilin plays down the threat posed by the likes of far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to a vote in favour of the Gaza deal.
The former Labour and Meretz MK tells the BBC’s World At One programme:”Netanyahu doesn’t need them to get his majority for the agreement, the opposition and others will support him. It’s not a serious crisis.”
Beilin adds the current Israeli coalition is a “convenient” one for those on the far-right.
Herzog backs hostage deal amid final sticking points
President Isaac Herzog has expressed strong support for the emerging hostage release-ceasefire agreement, despite ongoing negotiations over “stubborn details.”
Speaking with families of hostages, fallen soldiers, and reservists, Herzog acknowledged that a “very significant detail” remains unresolved, with the Prime Minister’s Office confirming that the disagreement centres on the identities of Palestinian prisoners to be released.
Herzog described the deal as “the right thing to do, the most just and the most necessary,” urging full support for its implementation. Meeting with families, including loved ones of slain hostages Yotam Haim and Omer Neutra and hostage Bar Kupershtein, held in Gaza since October 7, 2023, Herzog expressed hope for a resolution and the imminent return of captives. “What we need to do now is to give it full support,” he said, anticipating the first steps toward bringing hostages home.
Hostage deal CAN be solved, says White House

The White House is ‘confident’ that last-minute issues with the hostage deal can be solved and a ceasefire can start Sunday, according to national security spokesperson John Kirby.
Addressing a press briefing, Kirby added: “There are still a lot of details that need to be sorted out, and we are working very hard on them right now.” According to him, the reason for reaching an agreement is that “Hamas is now in a much weaker position than it was in May, when the deal was put on the table. They have become more desperate to reach an agreement.”
Kirby also said that Donald Trump’s support for the agreement sent “a strong signal to the entire region, including Hamas,” that a deal must be reached. He emphasised that the new president’s team will have to ensure that the agreement is implemented – which is why Biden made sure he was part of the process.
Source: YNet
Fateful hours: the main remaining dispute – with Hamas and within the Israeli government
Israel’s YNet news agency says Hamas is trying to achieve a “victory image” at the last minute, and making efforts to have “symbolic” heavy terrorists released in the deal.
At the same time, Netanyahu is conducting an intensive dialogue with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to prevent a crisis in the coalition, and cabinet and government meetings have been postponed.
A White House official says: “I estimate that the agreement will be implemented on Monday.”
Source: YNet
Trump security nominee: US will back Israel if it needs to reenter Gaza
US President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming national security adviser has pledged US support for Israel if it decides to reenter Gaza, while endorsing a ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas and crediting Trump for its apparent success.
Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, set to become the White House national security adviser, emphasised that Washington would not restrict arms supplies to Israel, sharply criticising the outgoing administration for attempting to constrain Israel’s actions.
Waltz hailed the announced deal between Israel and Hamas, which aims to gradually end the fighting in Gaza and facilitate the release of remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while addressing concerns about Hamas potentially regrouping and rearming.
David Lammy: ‘Palestinians must be free to return to their homes’
UK Foreign Secretary tells MPs in the House of Commons: “They will need to rebuild their lives and communities.”
Source: Sky News
Foreign Secretary ‘never believed Hamas could be eradicated by force’
David Lammy has told MPs he “never believed” that Hamas could be eradicated “solely by military force”.
Conservative former minister Andrew Mitchell told MPs: “The deal must be implemented in good faith and I very much welcome the comment (Mr Lammy) made that Hamas can never again govern that space.
“Can I pay tribute to the extraordinary hard work and effectiveness of his diplomats and officials, and underline that Britain has a very important role to play in what comes next, and will he bear in mind that abject devastation can lead to unforeseen breakthroughs.
“Following the Yom Kippur War, we saw peace with Egypt and it was after the Intifada that very significant progress was made on the Oslo Accords.”
The Foreign Secretary replied: “I never believed, as some in the Israeli government believed, that they could eradicate Hamas solely by military force.
“What eradicates extremism is diplomacy and a political solution, and a political horizon that pulls the rug from under the terrorists, and that’s why it’s hugely important that the UK now plays its full role on that political solution, that political horizon that actually brings about the peace, and not another generation of militant young men with terrorism and pain in their hearts.”
SNP: ‘Collective punishment of Palestinians will not be forgotten’
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said those “who armed extremists in the Israeli government will be judged by history” and the “collective punishment of the Palestinian people will not be forgotten”.
He told the Commons: “As we hope for this ceasefire deal and for the release of hostages, we continue to mourn all of those who have been killed since the vicious terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 2023 and, in that respect, my mind is very much with the six little babies who did not see this proposal because they froze to death in Gaza just a few short weeks ago.
“And that collective punishment of the Palestinian people will not be forgotten by history, just as all of those who sat silent, who encouraged and who armed extremists in the Israeli government will be judged by history too.
‘Hamas says war with Israel isn’t over’, says Middle East correspondent Jotam Confino
Middle East correspondent Jotam Confino has told Indian TV that Hamas made it clear in an announcement last night that its war with Israel isn’t over, and that they will use October 7 to inspire future generations of Palestinians to destroy Israel some day.
He added that the far-right Religious Zionism party is demanding that Netanyahu promise to continue the war against Hamas after the first phase of the ceasefire—or they’ll leave the coalition.
Another far-right party is threatening the same, making Netanyahu extremely vulnerable although the two parties wouldn’t be able to topple him completely.
Source: @MrConfino
‘I wouldn’t be surprised if they torpedo the deal, we’re at a political event’, says brother of hostage Itzik Elgarat
Danny Elgarat, whose 69-year old brother Itzik is still held hostage in Gaza, said: “I have my feet on the ground, anything can happen. I wouldn’t be surprised if they torpedo this move. We are in a political event, and in a political war with the prime minister. It’s clear that he is waiting for an opportunity to torpedo this deal. They will arrive on the 16th to talk about the overall deal, and everything will fall apart.”
According to him, “I am not in this event on a personal level, I know that if there is a deal, Itzik will return, and if not, then not. I worry about the country, which is in the process of internal collapse. Itzik will be the symptom. I have no excitement.”
Itzik Elgarat was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from Kibbutz Nir Oz on 7th October.
Adapted from: YNet
Israeli cabinet meeting to vote on ceasefire deal
Hardline cabinet ministers believed to seek assurance that the war will continue after the ceasefire period ends. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich may quit the coalition and remove his Religious Zionism Party over terms of the deal.

Released hostages to receive £13,000 in financial aid upon return
From our partner Times of Israel
Addressing the Shas party’s annual conference, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoav Ben Tzur welcomes the ceasefire-hostage deal and says that his ministry is standing ready to assist to freed hostages.
“This is a big day for the State of Israel. The National Insurance Institute is prepared and ready for their return to the country,” Ben Tzur states.
“There is a whole basket of support that has been prepared for the hostages who will be returning, from an immediate grant of NIS 10,000 ($2,700) for immediate needs, to a per abductee grant of NIS 50,000 ($13,800) for medical treatment and the unconditional recognition of 50 percent disability status.”
Protesters who gather at synagogue should face the law – Tory MP
Pro-Palestinian protesters who defy police orders by deliberately gathering outside a synagogue should face the “full force of the law”, a senior Conservative MP has said.
In the Commons, Bob Blackman described the protests as “hate marches” and argued that public order should be protected.
It comes after the Metropolitan Police blocked protesters from gathering near a synagogue on Saturday, with the force stating it risked causing “serious disruption” as congregants attend Shabbat services.

Protesters were planning to gather outside the BBC’s Broadcasting House in Portland Place, before marching to Whitehall, but have now been told to meet in Russell Square by the police.
During business questions, Mr Blackman claimed the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign intends to defy the police’s conditions, which were imposed under the Public Order Act.
The Met said it had “reflected on the views of local community and business representatives”, including congregation members at a synagogue a “very short distance” from the proposed rally meet-up point, before reaching its decision.
UK organising ‘partners’ to support rebuilding of Gaza
The Government is organising “partners” who will be able to support the rebuilding of Gaza, the Foreign Secretary has said.
David Lammy said he had visited Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories earlier this week where he met with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority.

He said they had discussed how Gaza and Palestine would be reconstructed after the war.
He said: “Palestinians must also be free to return to their homes and, crucially, they will need to rebuild. Rebuild their homes, rebuild their lives, rebuild their communities, they can’t do this possibly on their own. They need to feel safe, they need the international community to deliver the funds that they will require.”
He added: “The Palestinian Authority (PA) has a crucial role to play. We want donors to support their plans for recovery and I discussed this with President Abbas on Monday.
Smotrich to Netanyahu: ‘Commit in writing that we will return to war’
Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has made it clear to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent hours that the condition for the Religious Zionism party to remain in the government and coalition is to receive written commitments and guarantees from him, before approving the deal, about returning to war.
Earlier, his party said that it “stands behind the minister’s demands, to ensure Israel’s return to war to destroy Hamas and return all the hostages, while changing the concept of decisiveness and victory, immediately after the conclusion of the first phase of the deal.
Source: YNet
Russia: ‘We welcome any agreement that will ensure the security of Gaza’
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, via Reuters
Foreign Secretary delivers statement in House of Commons
David Lammy has urged the Israeli cabinet to back the deal when they meet on Thursday.
The Foreign Secretary said: “Much remains to be done. It is critical that there is final approval of this agreement. As the Israeli cabinet meets, I urge them to back this deal. Now is not the time for any back-tracking. Both sides must implement each phase of the deal in full and on time.
“The history of this conflict is littered with missed opportunities. It would be a tragedy to let slip the chance before us, we must grab it with both hands, the chance not just for a ceasefire but for a lasting peace, the chance to break the cycle of violence which has inflicted so much suffering on innocent people on both sides.
“The Government is committed to sustaining momentum, however fragile the process at first may be. Every hostage must be released, as set out in the agreement, every ounce of aid promised to Gaza must reach those in need.”
‘Many families of hostages don’t trust Hamas to release second group’
Middle East correspondent Jotam Confino has told GB News that nothing is final until both sides agree, adding that Donald Trump’s influence was key to pushing the deal through and both Netanyahu and Hamas fear his potential return.
Confino adds: “Biden deserves credit—this is his deal, and he also brokered the first ceasefire. The ceasefire is fragile. Many families of hostages don’t trust Hamas to release the second group, and honestly, neither should the world.”
Israel vetoes 72 names on Hamas’s list of terrorists to be released
Some are among the worst murderers in the country’s history. Source: i24 News Israel
David Lammy: ‘All phases of this ceasefire deal must now be implemented in full’
UK Foreign Secretary: ‘The UK will continue to make every diplomatic effort to get to lasting peace, security and a two-state solution for the Israeli and Palestinian people’.
‘Hamas are the Palestinian peoples own worst enemy’
David Mencer, spokesperson for the office of Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says ‘No rational actor would call 15 months of hardship in Gaza a victory, and yet they vow to do it again’.
Benjamin Netanyahu accuses Hamas of ‘blackmail’
Israeli PM says the Israeli cabinet will not meet to approve the ceasefire deal until the group agrees to all details, according to Israeli govt. spokesperson @DavidMencer speaking to Sky News.
News of an Israel-Hamas ceasefire must be ‘enduring news’ says Sir Keir Starmer
British Prime Minister insists a two-state solution is key to lasting peace
Protocol for receiving hostages: fear of extreme malnutrition, possible need for psychiatric hospitalisation
The abductees who return to Israel will undergo an initial examination immediately upon arrival at the hospitals, and a day later at the earliest will also undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Female hostages will have pregnancy tests. Israel’s Ministry of Health recommends hospitalisation for at least four days.
Adapted from full article at Ynet
Israel-Hamas deal draws renewed attention to Kfir and Ariel Bibas, the youngest remaining hostages

The only Israeli children still in Gaza reportedly will be released under the deal, though their condition is unknown.
For Kfir Bibas’ first birthday last year, supporters around the world gathered to wish for his return to Israel from captivity in Gaza. On this coming Saturday, his second birthday, that wish may be close to coming true.
Kfir, taken hostage with his brother and mother, was the youngest child abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, when the terror group invaded Israel. He and his brother Ariel are the youngest hostages who remain there — the only children abducted who were not released during a temporary ceasefire in November 2023 — and at the time, Hamas said they had been killed along with their mother. Israel said it was investigating that claim but has not confirmed it.
Now, with Israel and Hamas reaching a deal for another ceasefire, their names are circulating as likely to be among the first to be released. Their family is also urging against speculation about their release and their condition.
Demonstrators oppose hostage and ceasefire deal
Hundreds of demonstrators decrying the hostage and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas are marching to the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem.
At the head of the march are family members of slain soldiers, affiliated with the right-wing Gevurah (“Heroism”) Forum.
Protesters deride the deal as a surrender to Hamas that stands to harm the “honour of the Jewish people.”
‘No closure until all Israeli hostages are returned’
The sister of two British citizens murdered in the Israel-Hamas conflict has said “there will never be any closure” until all Israeli hostages are returned, following reports of a ceasefire.
Ayelet Svatitzky, 47, said the reports emerging on Wednesday were a “relief” after her brothers Roi and Nadav Popplewell both died and her mother Channah Peri was previously taken as a hostage.
Speaking from Israel, she told the PA news agency: “We’ve been praying for a deal to be signed, and every hostage [being] released is a relief for them, for the families and for us.
“Of course, it’s too late for my brother, we will never be able to save them. We were able to bring him for burial, and so we know how crucial it is for for a deal to be complete and for all hostages to be brought back, for the live hostages to be released to their families and to start the healing and rehabilitating.”
Asked if the reported ceasefire would bring her family closure, Ms Svatitzky said: “There will never be any closure for us until all the hostages are back.
“We’ll be worried and we’re not able to move on until the last hostage is home.”
Lammy: ‘Moment of hope after over year of agony’
David Lammy said the Gaza ceasefire agreement ceasefire agreement offered “a moment of hope after over a year of agony.”
The Foreign Secretary said: “Today’s announcement of a ceasefire agreement is a moment of hope after over a year of agony, following Hamas’s appalling attack on 7 October 2023.
“For the hostages and their loved ones, including British citizen Emily Damari, and Eli Sharabi, Oded Lifschitz and Avinatan Or, this has been an unbearable trauma. For the people of Gaza, so many of whom have lost lives, homes or loved ones, this has been a living nightmare. For the region, this has brought yet more division and conflict.
“With this agreement, hostages and their families will be reunited and Gazans can begin to rebuild their lives. I pay tribute to the tireless diplomatic efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the incoming and outgoing US administrations.
“Much remains to be done – to implement this in full to all phases of the deal and establish a pathway to lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
“From our first day in office, this Government has pressed for an immediate ceasefire, to free the hostages, and to bring relief, reconstruction and hope to civilians who have suffered so much.
“We will play our full part in the coming days and weeks, working alongside our partners, to seize this chance for a better future.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
-
By David Gross
-
By Brigit Grant
-
By Laurent Vaughan - Senior Associate (Bishop & Sewell Solicitors)
-
By Laurent Vaughan - Senior Associate (Bishop & Sewell Solicitors)