Since the October 7 massacre, hundreds of Israelis were taken hostage by Hamas and were held captive in the Gaza Strip. While many of the hostages have either been freed, rescued, or killed, many still remain in captivity. The hostage deal is a hypothetical agreement between Israel and Hamas that would see the hostages, living and dead, released from captivity back to Israel.
Such a deal was implemented in the early days of the war, in November 2023, where many hostages were released over the course of a few days. A much longer one was implemented in early 2025, which saw many hostages released from captivity in exchange for the release of high numbers of Palestinian security prisoners.
Israel also insists that, as part of such a deal, the mediators should be informed of the hostages' nutritional and health conditions.
Ronen and Orna Neutra urged Israel to prioritize a hostage deal, warning that military pressure risks captives' lives without securing their return.
The government has a responsibility to bring home all hostages, but it is not their top priority.
Hostage families gathered outside Ron Dermer's home, urging him to secure their loved ones' return by Passover amid stalled negotiations.
"The hostages feel now that they could be collateral damage; a terrible feeling, believe me," said Iair Horn.
"Israel is certainly considering the possibility that these protests are a deception tactic by Hamas," an Israeli official said.
Security sources told Reuters on Thursday that Egypt had received positive indications from Israel over a new ceasefire proposal that would include a transitional phase.
The 35-year-old, who has spent over a year in Hamas captivity, suffers from asthma.
The mother of Matan Zangauker accused PM Netanyahu of "tattooing the souls of our loved ones with numbers" like Nazis did during the Holocaust.
Sossana is one of eight women from around the world to receive the award, which recognizes exceptional women who advocate for peace, justice, and human rights.
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