Hamas terrorists made direct video calls from their own phones to the families of hostages Matan Zangauker, Nimrod Cohen, and brothers David and Ariel Cunio, allowing the hostages to show they were alive.
Hundreds of people began arriving at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv in the early hours of the morning, carrying flags, signs and shirts. As time passed, more citizens continued to stream into the square to watch together the release of the hostages from Gaza, expected to take place in two phases.
Rumors circulating on social media claim that Saleh al-Jafarawi was shot dead by members of the Dughmosh clan, though this has not been verified. Al-Jaafrawi was one of the most prominent figures associated with Hamas propaganda since the start of the war in Gaza. In the past, there were also false rumors about his death.
Israel finalizes preparations for the return of all 48 hostages from Gaza as a tightly coordinated operation is set to begin Monday at dawn and conclude by midday.
As hostage deal enters crucial 24 hours, officials believe the 20 captives are scattered across three separate locations in Gaza. Hamas poised for a dramatic simultaneous handover.
From most of them, real signs of life have been received – videos from Hamas or messages from captivity survivors who were released in the last deal in January-February 2025.
Rare document recovered by IDF exposes Hamas leader's detailed 2022 instructions for border infiltration, systematic territorial seizure and deliberate atrocity filming to spread terror among Israelis and incite Palestinian violence.
"Nova Cafe" opening in Khan Younis references music festival where Hamas terrorists carried out mass murder on October 7.
Following the return of the hostages from Gaza, Israel would continue to facilitate the release of approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees from its prisons, in accordance with the terms of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Israeli PM says authorities expect all living hostages to be released on Monday morning. Israeli military forces are conducting preparations to receive the hostages as early as Sunday evening, an Israeli official told WSJ.
