Israel at War

Ahead of the release of six living hostages this Saturday and four deceased hostages this Thursday, these are the stories of the 14 remaining hostages of phase one of the hostage deal.

The family of hostage David Cunio announced that they had received a sign of life from him, through one of the hostages who was released as part of the current deal. His younger brother, Ariel, was also kidnapped, partner of former hostage Arbel Yehud. 

Only after a definitive identification process of the bodies by the Israeli healthcare system will the families be formally notified. The process is expected to take several hours.

The IDF is expected to remain, with US approval, at five strategic positions along the Israel-Lebanon border until it is confirmed that Hezbollah will not return south of the Litani River. The IDF is preparing to reinforce its presence in the border area and anticipates protests from local residents.  

The fast, representing one minute for each day of captivity, aims to raise awareness of the hostages' ongoing ordeal.

Released captives shed many pounds due to their abuse, show muscle deterioration and complex health challenges, requiring long-term care. Captors force fed them before release to hide dire state.

"Because my statement was, they got to comeback," president tells reporters. Netanyahu welcomed Trump's recent proposal for Gaza, praising the "unequivocal support" from the US.

Muhammad Shaheen, who served as Hamas' senior commander in Lebanon, was eliminated in an Israeli Air Force strike.

The US Secretary of State met today with Prime Minister Netanyahu, marking his first visit to Israel since assuming office. "The hostages need to come home... and that is something we work on very closely together," Rubio said.

Even before completing his medical examinations, Iair Horn demanded to know how to secure his brother’s release. His sister-in-law: 'He's only now discovering who was murdered and who survived.'