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Hamas hostages

Ruby (left) and Hagit Chen, parents of Itay, an IDF soldier who was killed fighting Hamas-led terrorists on October 7, 2023, and his body abducted to Gaza and returned in November 2025, speak at a rally in Tel Aviv's Habima Square, August 8, 2026. (Yoav Loeff / Pro-Democracy Protest Movement)
August 9, 2026, 3:01 am
Slain hostage’s parents urge public to only back parties vowing state Oct. 7 probe
At Tel Aviv protest, Itay Chen’s parents accuse government of trying to evade truth; Bennett, Liberman said discussing post-election union to block Eisenkot’s path to becoming PM
By Noam Lehmann and ToI Staff
Hamas terrorist Muhammad Fuad Gasser Sayid is seen with hostage Avinatan Or in captivity in the Gaza Strip during the war, in an image released by the IDF on April 12, 2026, showing him to have been eliminated. (Israel Defense Forces)
August 9, 2026, 12:26 am
IDF, Shin Bet acknowledge for first time special mission to hunt down and kill all Oct. 7 terrorists
Officers in ‘Nili’ unit confirm facial recognition, artificial intelligence, detainee interrogations, humint being used in operation to track down every participant in Hamas-led October 7, 2023, invasion, massacre, abductions
By Jeremy Sharon
Rachel Goldberg-Polin, right, and Jon Polin, at the memorial ceremony in Jerusalem on August 7, 2026 for their son, slain former hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin. (Jessica Steinberg/Times of Israel)
August 7, 2026, 7:23 pm
Hundreds gather to remember Hersh Goldberg-Polin on second anniversary of his murder in Gaza
Memorial event for hostage executed by his captors, held at Baka community center in Jerusalem, brings together Goldberg-Polin’s family, friends, neighbors as well as Hapoel Jerusalem fans
By Jessica Steinberg
US President Donald Trump (C) speaks during the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit in the Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh on October 13, 2025. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)
August 1, 2026, 5:21 am
How the Gaza disarmament deal proves everyone right — but could spell trouble for Netanyahu
The deal may not be implemented, but its very signing gives Israel and its critics, and Netanyahu and his opponents, reason to both celebrate and worry; for the PM, it may prove especially problematic as the election nears
By Ben Sales
Released hostage Avinatan Or reunites with his girlfriend and former hostage Noa Argamani, upon his release from captivity on October 13, 2025. (IDF)
July 31, 2026, 5:20 pm
Gaza terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani, Avinatan Or on Oct. 7 killed in strike — IDF
Hamas commander who held hostages Romi Gonen, Noa Marciano killed in separate attack; strike reported hours after Hamas disarmament deal announced, which Gazans hope Trump will implement
By Emanuel Fabian, Reuters and ToI Staff
Freed hostage Evyatar David arrives at his home in Kfar Saba, October 26, 2025. (Erik Marmor/Flash90)
July 31, 2026, 2:33 am
Ex-hostage Evyatar David details struggles with PTSD, a year after Hamas forced him to dig own grave
‘Rehabilitation is a different battle’ than surviving captivity, says the former hostage, as he explains how ‘that skinny guy with the spoon digging a grave is still with me’
By ToI Staff
Brig. Gen. (ret.) Dror Shalom speaks during an interview at a conference organized by the Institute for National Security Studies, July 27, 2026. (Screenshot: YouTube/INSS)
July 28, 2026, 1:17 am
Outgoing top defense official pans ‘resounding failure’ of Israel’s war strategy
In rare interview, Brig. Gen. (ret.) Dror Shalom, who headed Defense Ministry’s Political-Military Bureau, urges diplomacy, says government could have freed Gaza hostages earlier
By ToI Staff
Alon Shamriz (Courtesy)
July 26, 2026, 4:35 pm
High Court rejects petition to recognize mistakenly slain hostage as fallen soldier
Family of Alon Shamriz calls ruling ‘spit in the face,’ had argued that he received reserve orders for his elite unit on Oct. 7 as he was abducted, would have answered the call
By Jeremy Sharon and ToI Staff
Zehava Shaul, mother of Oron Shaul, with supporters and family members at a protest outside the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on August 9, 2019. (Hadas Parush/Flash90)
July 25, 2026, 11:28 am
Zehava Shaul, who led decade-long struggle to recover body of son held by Hamas, dies at 71
Leaders hail her as a brave, dedicated mother, who waged an uncompromising, successful campaign to secure the return of Oron Shaul, who was killed and captured by Hamas in 2014
By ToI Staff
Inbar Haiman (Courtesy)
July 20, 2026, 11:04 pm
IDF says it killed terrorist who attacked Nova festival, abducted Inbar Haiman on Oct. 7
Islamic Jihad operative also tried to attack GHF sites, IDF says; Al-Yaman Al-Saeed Hospital reported bombed, killing 2, injuring others; 3 reportedly killed in south Gaza strike
By Emanuel Fabian and Nurit Yohanan
Hostage Rimon Buchshtab-Kirscht speaks to her Hamas captor as she is being released to the Red Cross in Gaza, November 28, 2023. (Screenshot via Al Jazeera)
July 20, 2026, 4:35 pm
‘I started cursing him in Arabic’: Ex-hostage reveals words to Hamas captor upon release
Rimon Buchshtab-Kirscht, whose defiant glare at terrorist upon release in Nov. 2023 went viral, mourns slain husband, recalls talking with Sinwar and Yarden Bibas, opens up about enduring sexual assault
By ToI Staff
Hostages Tal Shoham (left) and Avera Mengistu (third from left), surrounded by armed fighters, stand on a stage in Rafah as they are released by the Hamas terror group in Rafah on February 22, 2025. (Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP)
July 17, 2026, 6:59 pm
Top Hamas aide who held hostages during war killed in strike on Khan Younis
Anas Mahmoud Ahmad Hamdan served as an aide to commanders Muhammad Deif and Rafa’a Salameh, held Avera Mengistu captive, took part in hostage release ceremonies
By Emanuel Fabian, Nurit Yohanan and ToI Staff
A married couple from Thailand, known as Qwon, left, and Tay, participate in the Shavuot celebration in Shavei Zion, Western Galilee, where they work in the avocado groves, on May 21, 2026. (Diana Bletter/Times of Israel)
July 11, 2026, 9:35 am
Braving war losses and tough conditions, Thai workers stay rooted in Israeli agriculture
51 foreign laborers from Thailand have been killed by terror groups since 2023, and 31 were among the Oct. 7 hostages, but that hasn’t caused them to flee Israel’s fields and groves
By Diana Bletter
President Isaac Herzog speaks at the wedding of former Gaza hostages Sasha Troufanov and Sapir Cohen, July 5, 2026. (President Isaac Herzog/X)
July 6, 2026, 8:09 am
‘Emotional’: Ex-hostages Sasha Troufanov and Sapir Cohen are married
Wedding attended by several former hostages, including Rom Braslavski, who was held in PIJ captivity with Troufanov; President Isaac Herzog, first lady, join the ceremony
By ToI Staff
Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian appears on the Daily Briefing podcast with host Jessica Steinberg (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
July 5, 2026, 2:56 pm
Daily Briefing July 5 – IDF chief’s plea for more troops collides with Haredi anti-draft push
Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian reports on limited clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon, another October 7 terrorist targeted in Gaza, and pointed remarks from Eyal Zamir
By Jessica Steinberg and Emanuel Fabian
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