Among the themes of Passover is freedom from captivity. For many Jews this year, the holiday brings up the pain of knowledge that hostages are still captive after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Luis Har, 71, was taken hostage on Oct. 7 with his family. The accountant, actor and dancer drew on a lifetime of memories to help comfort them in captivity in Gaza. He was freed in an Israeli raid.
On Oct. 7, Gaza militants killed Carmit Palty Katzir's father and took her mother and brother hostage. Her mother was released, but Katzir fears time is running out to get her brother back alive.
Families of the dozens of hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza and their supporters embarked on a four-day march to Jerusalem to push officials to secure a deal for their loved ones' release.
Israel and Hamas are both holding the bodies of those killed on the other side, refusing to release them. They've done so for years and are again using the enemy dead as leverage in the current war.
Israeli military strikes in Rafah were part of an operation to rescue two Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7. There were initial reports that at least 50 Palestinians were killed in the raid.
Hamas' reaction was generally "positive" but it still insists on a permanent cease-fire and full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, which Israel has rejected. The U.S. will discuss it with Israel.
The families of hostages held in the Gaza Strip kicked off a 24-hour rally in Tel Aviv Saturday night, calling on the government to bring their loved ones home after 100 days spent in Hamas captivity.
Dozens of women and kids held hostage by Hamas for nearly two months returned home to Israel this week. Experts say reacclimating is a process — and there are ways professionals and parents can help.
Under an extension of a temporary cease-fire, Hamas freed 12 more hostages on Tuesday, including 10 Israelis and two foreign nationals, Israel's military said. About 160 hostages remain in captivity.
Romi Gonen, 23, was wounded and taken hostage during the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack. Her sister Yarden and other relatives are awaiting word if Romi will be released as part of a negotiated hostage deal.
Many Israelis are frantically looking for clues about loved ones believed to be held in Gaza. Ido Dan keeps watching a video that appears to show Hamas militants kidnapping his 12-year-old nephew.
