Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, on Monday (Oct 13) published the names of 20 surviving hostages held in Gaza. The release is part of a deal reached with Israel, which aims to free the captives in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.<h2>Hostages identified</h2>The list shared on the group’s Telegram channel includes 20 of the 48 captives — both living and deceased — still held by Palestinian militants in Gaza. In its Telegram post, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said that "as part of the #AlAqsa_Flood_Deal for prisoner exchange, the Al-Qassam Brigades decided to release the following living Zionist prisoners".&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-war-is-over-in-gaza-ahead-of-peace-summit-in-egypt-1760316244168">Trump declares 'war is over in Gaza' ahead of peace summit in Egypt</a> 1- Bar Avraham Kuperstein&nbsp; 2- Aviatar David&nbsp; 3- Yosef Haim Ohana&nbsp; 4- Segev Kalfon&nbsp; 5- Avinatan Or&nbsp; 6- Elkana Bohbot&nbsp; 7- Maxim Herkin&nbsp; 8- Nimrod Cohen&nbsp; 9- Matan Zangauker&nbsp; 10- David Konio&nbsp; 11- Eitan Horn&nbsp; 12- Matan Angrist&nbsp; 13- Eitan Mor&nbsp; 14- Gali Berman&nbsp; 15- Ziv Berman&nbsp; 16- Omri Miran&nbsp; 17- Alon Ohel&nbsp; 18- Guy Gilboa-Dalal&nbsp; 19- Rom Braslavsky&nbsp; 20- Ariel Konio OfficialAlso read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-after-almost-two-years-of-war-aid-finally-flows-into-gaza-1760251345599">In Pics: After almost two years of war, aid finally flows into Gaza</a><h2>Trump to get Israel's highest civilian honour</h2>For his efforts in mediating the freedom of the Israeli hostages, Tehran has announced that it will honour US President Donald Trump with its highest civilian honour. In a statement, Israel President Isaac Herzog said, "Through his tireless efforts, President Trump has not only helped bring our loved ones home but has also laid the foundations for a new era in the Middle East built on security, cooperation, and genuine hope for a peaceful future"."It will be a great honour for me to present him with the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour," he said, adding that the award will be presented in the “coming months”.&nbsp;

Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades has released the names of 20 surviving hostages held in Gaza. Read on for the names of the Hamas hostages that will be released today.

Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, on Monday (Oct 13) published the names of 20 surviving hostages held in Gaza. The release is part of a deal reached with Israel, which aims to free the captives in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Hostages identified The list shared on the group’s Telegram channel includes 20 of the 48 captives — both living and deceased — still held by Palestinian militants in Gaza. In its Telegram post, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said that "as part of the #AlAqsa_Flood_Deal for prisoner exchange, the Al-Qassam Brigades decided to release the following living Zionist prisoners". Also read | Trump declares 'war is over in Gaza' ahead of peace summit in Egypt 1- Bar Avraham Kuperstein 2- Aviatar David 3- Yosef Haim Ohana 4- Segev Kalfon 5- Avinatan Or 6- Elkana Bohbot 7- Maxim Herkin 8- Nimrod Cohen 9- Matan Zangauker 10- David Konio 11- Eitan Horn 12- Matan Angrist 13- Eitan Mor 14- Gali Berman 15- Ziv Berman 16- Omri Miran 17- Alon Ohel 18- Guy Gilboa-Dalal 19- Rom Braslavsky 20- Ariel Konio Official Also read | In Pics: After almost two years of war, aid finally flows into Gaza Trump to get Israel's highest civilian honour For his efforts in mediating the freedom of the Israeli hostages, Tehran has announced that it will honour US President Donald Trump with its highest civilian honour. In a statement, Israel President Isaac Herzog said, "Through his tireless efforts, President Trump has not only helped bring our loved ones home but has also laid the foundations for a new era in the Middle East built on security, cooperation, and genuine hope for a peaceful future". "It will be a great honour for me to present him with the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour," he said, adding that the award will be presented in the “coming months”.

Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades has released the names of 20 surviving hostages held in Gaza. Read on for the names of the Hamas hostages that will be released today.

Hamas releases names of 20 surviving Israeli hostages that will be freed in massive prisoner swap today

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (Aug 5) said the Israeli military must "complete" the defeat of Hamas to ensure the release of all hostages and prevent future threats from Gaza, hinting at a possible expansion of the war days ahead of a key cabinet meeting. His remarks come amid growing outrage in Israel over harrowing videos of emaciated captives and warnings from UN officials of an unfolding famine in Gaza. "It is necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, to free all our hostages and to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," Netanyahu said during a visit to an army training base.<h2>New war plans or a negotiating tactic?</h2>According to the Israeli PM's office, he held a three-hour security discussion with army chief Lt Gen Eyal Zamir. However, the PMO did not give any details of new war plans. It stated that a meeting of the security cabinet would take place later this week to approve updated instructions.Israeli media reports suggest Netanyahu was considering a full military reoccupation of Gaza or an expanded ground push into areas where hostages may be held. Public broadcaster Kan said the prime minister had “decided to extend the fight to areas where hostages might be held,” while Channel 12 suggested that the move might be a negotiation tactic.Meanwhile, Palestinian officials warned that any such escalation would derail ceasefire talks. Hamas said its position would not change and again demanded a full Israeli withdrawal. "The ball is in the hands of... (Israel) and the Americans," said senior Hamas official Hossam Badran, adding that the group wants to "end the war and the famine."&nbsp;UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca also warned the Security Council that further expansion "would risk catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and could further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages".

 "It is necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, to free all our hostages and to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," Netanyahu said during a visit to an army training base.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (Aug 5) said the Israeli military must "complete" the defeat of Hamas to ensure the release of all hostages and prevent future threats from Gaza, hinting at a possible expansion of the war days ahead of a key cabinet meeting. His remarks come amid growing outrage in Israel over harrowing videos of emaciated captives and warnings from UN officials of an unfolding famine in Gaza. "It is necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, to free all our hostages and to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," Netanyahu said during a visit to an army training base. New war plans or a negotiating tactic? According to the Israeli PM's office, he held a three-hour security discussion with army chief Lt Gen Eyal Zamir. However, the PMO did not give any details of new war plans. It stated that a meeting of the security cabinet would take place later this week to approve updated instructions. Israeli media reports suggest Netanyahu was considering a full military reoccupation of Gaza or an expanded ground push into areas where hostages may be held. Public broadcaster Kan said the prime minister had “decided to extend the fight to areas where hostages might be held,” while Channel 12 suggested that the move might be a negotiation tactic. Meanwhile, Palestinian officials warned that any such escalation would derail ceasefire talks. Hamas said its position would not change and again demanded a full Israeli withdrawal. "The ball is in the hands of... (Israel) and the Americans," said senior Hamas official Hossam Badran, adding that the group wants to "end the war and the famine." UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca also warned the Security Council that further expansion "would risk catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and could further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages".

&nbsp;"It is necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, to free all our hostages and to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," Netanyahu said during a visit to an army training base.

Netanyahu signals Gaza war could expand says 'necessary to complete the defeat' of Hamas in Gaza

Hamas on Sunday (Aug 3) said that Israeli hostages held in Gaza will not receive "special privileges" in food or care, insisting they eat the same rations as fighters and civilians amid worsening starvation across the besieged territory. The statement from the Al-Qassam Brigades, the group's armed wing, came as Israel appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for help following the release of distressing videos showing two hostages — Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David — appearing skeletal and weak. "(Hamas) does not intentionally starve the captives, but they eat the same food our fighters and the general public eat," the group said, blaming Israel's blockade and war for widespread deprivation. "They will not receive any special privileges amid the crime of starvation and siege", it added.<h2>'Harrowing videos' of Israeli hostages disturb the world</h2>On Sunday, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu urged the ICRC to help the hostages held in Gaza. Netanyahu's office in a statement said that he spoke to the ICRC regional coordinator Julien Lerisson, and "requested his involvement in providing food to our hostages and... immediate medical treatment". The ICRC said it was "appalled by the harrowing videos" and reiterated its demand for "access to hostages." In response, Hamas said it would allow the ICRC access — but only if humanitarian corridors for food and aid were opened "across all areas of the Gaza Strip." Aid groups and UN agencies say Israel's restrictions have choked off life-saving supplies, while some convoys have been overrun or looted amid lawlessness and desperation.The group insisted that it did "not intentionally starve" the Israeli hostages but that they would not get any special food privileges "amid the crime of starvation and siege" in Gaza.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-netanyahu-condemns-conditions-of-hostages-says-he-wants-to-free-them-1754274570238/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-netanyahu-condemns-conditions-of-hostages-says-he-wants-to-free-them-1754274570238/embed</a><h2>Hamas's shocking hostage video</h2>In recent days, Hamas has released three hostage videos showing Israeli hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, who have been held in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Both the hostages appear weak, gaunt, and skeletal in the videos. Their emancipated condition has intensified pressure on Netanyahu's government to secure a truce and bring the captives home. In one clip, David is seen digging what he says is his own grave — a moment that triggered public fury across Israel. On Saturday, Netanyahu’s office said he spoke with the families of the hostages and was "profoundly shocked" by the videos. "The efforts to return all our hostages are ongoing," the statement said.

Blaming Israel for the starvation of the Gaza public and hostages, Hamas said it “does not intentionally starve the captives, but they eat the same food our fighters and the general public eat.”

Hamas on Sunday (Aug 3) said that Israeli hostages held in Gaza will not receive "special privileges" in food or care, insisting they eat the same rations as fighters and civilians amid worsening starvation across the besieged territory. The statement from the Al-Qassam Brigades, the group's armed wing, came as Israel appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for help following the release of distressing videos showing two hostages — Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David — appearing skeletal and weak. "(Hamas) does not intentionally starve the captives, but they eat the same food our fighters and the general public eat," the group said, blaming Israel's blockade and war for widespread deprivation. "They will not receive any special privileges amid the crime of starvation and siege", it added. 'Harrowing videos' of Israeli hostages disturb the world On Sunday, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu urged the ICRC to help the hostages held in Gaza. Netanyahu's office in a statement said that he spoke to the ICRC regional coordinator Julien Lerisson, and "requested his involvement in providing food to our hostages and... immediate medical treatment". The ICRC said it was "appalled by the harrowing videos" and reiterated its demand for "access to hostages." In response, Hamas said it would allow the ICRC access — but only if humanitarian corridors for food and aid were opened "across all areas of the Gaza Strip." Aid groups and UN agencies say Israel's restrictions have choked off life-saving supplies, while some convoys have been overrun or looted amid lawlessness and desperation. The group insisted that it did "not intentionally starve" the Israeli hostages but that they would not get any special food privileges "amid the crime of starvation and siege" in Gaza. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-netanyahu-condemns-conditions-of-hostages-says-he-wants-to-free-them-1754274570238/embed Hamas's shocking hostage video In recent days, Hamas has released three hostage videos showing Israeli hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, who have been held in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Both the hostages appear weak, gaunt, and skeletal in the videos. Their emancipated condition has intensified pressure on Netanyahu's government to secure a truce and bring the captives home. In one clip, David is seen digging what he says is his own grave — a moment that triggered public fury across Israel. On Saturday, Netanyahu’s office said he spoke with the families of the hostages and was "profoundly shocked" by the videos. "The efforts to return all our hostages are ongoing," the statement said.

Blaming Israel for the starvation of the Gaza public and hostages, Hamas said it “does not intentionally starve the captives, but they eat the same food our fighters and the general public eat.”

'They eat the same food as general public': Hamas insists hostages won't get 'special privileges' as skeletal Israeli captives shock the world

Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader, as per reports may have given his men the order to kill all Oct 7 Israeli hostages in the event of his death, warned Israel's leading hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin.

In a conversation with The Telegraph, Baskin — who in 2011 saw the release of Sinwar along with 1,026 other Palestinian prisoners in exchange for kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shilat — warned "It is a moment of either opportunity or a moment of doom".

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:135,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1821}">'Opportunity or doom'</h2>

The hostage negotiator explained that Sinwar's death could be a "moment of doom," because there were "rumours that Sinwar instructed people holding hostages that, should he be killed, they should kill their hostages."

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:247,&quot;w&quot;:675,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1933}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-confirms-death-of-nasrallahs-heir-apparent-sayyed-hashem-safieddine-769875">West Asia crisis: Israel confirms death of Nasrallah's heir apparent Sayyed Hashem Safieddine</a>

Baskin said that while it was not possible to confirm or deny the rumour, it should be taken "seriously" given that the group had no qualms about executing six hostages. In late August, the six hostages were killed execution-style after the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) closed in on the tunnel where they were being held.

"We saw the six hostages killed when Israel was entering the tunnel. That could be the case now. We just don't know," he stated.

Sinwar was killed on Oct 16 (last week) and at the time of his elimination, Hamas still had 101 Israeli hostages in captivity. Of these, at least 60 are believed to still be alive.

After Sinwar's killing, the Hamas fighters, as per the report, are being led by his brother Muhammad, which further complicates the matter. &nbsp;

According to the hostage negotiator, this could also be a "moment of opportunity" for Israel.

The nation in the absence of Sinwar's leadership "should be issuing a very clear call that anyone who’s holding a hostage that releases them will be given free passage for themselves and their family out of Gaza to another country, as well as a lot of money."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-takes-sole-responsibility-for-targeting-netanyahus-residence-says-there-would-be-no-negotiations-769842">Hezbollah takes ‘sole responsibility’ for targeting Netanyahu’s residence; says there would be no negotiations</a>

"In order to encourage them to do that, Israel should also be reaching out to Egypt and Qatar and tell them to renew the negotiations quickly, not on the deal that’s been negotiated without success for almost four months, but on a deal that would bring the hostages home quicker and would obviously require Israel to end the war."

However, he added that this "unfortunately," won't happen "unless president [Joe] Biden weighs in very heavily and makes sure that Netanyahu agrees to end the war, because, without that, Netanyahu won't end the war."

Baskin expressed his confidence that the US had the necessary "leverage" to force a ceasefire but added sceptically, "the question is if they're willing to use it".

(With inputs from agencies)

Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader, as per reports may have given his men the order to kill all Oct 7 Israeli hostages in the event of his death, warned Israel's leading hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin.

Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader, as per reports may have given his men the order to kill all Oct 7 Israeli hostages in the event of his death, warned Israel's leading hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin. In a conversation with The Telegraph, Baskin — who in 2011 saw the release of Sinwar along with 1,026 other Palestinian prisoners in exchange for kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shilat — warned "It is a moment of either opportunity or a moment of doom". 'Opportunity or doom' The hostage negotiator explained that Sinwar's death could be a "moment of doom," because there were "rumours that Sinwar instructed people holding hostages that, should he be killed, they should kill their hostages." Also read | West Asia crisis: Israel confirms death of Nasrallah's heir apparent Sayyed Hashem Safieddine Baskin said that while it was not possible to confirm or deny the rumour, it should be taken "seriously" given that the group had no qualms about executing six hostages. In late August, the six hostages were killed execution-style after the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) closed in on the tunnel where they were being held. "We saw the six hostages killed when Israel was entering the tunnel. That could be the case now. We just don't know," he stated. Sinwar was killed on Oct 16 (last week) and at the time of his elimination, Hamas still had 101 Israeli hostages in captivity. Of these, at least 60 are believed to still be alive. After Sinwar's killing, the Hamas fighters, as per the report, are being led by his brother Muhammad, which further complicates the matter. According to the hostage negotiator, this could also be a "moment of opportunity" for Israel. The nation in the absence of Sinwar's leadership "should be issuing a very clear call that anyone who’s holding a hostage that releases them will be given free passage for themselves and their family out of Gaza to another country, as well as a lot of money." Also read | Hezbollah takes ‘sole responsibility’ for targeting Netanyahu’s residence; says there would be no negotiations "In order to encourage them to do that, Israel should also be reaching out to Egypt and Qatar and tell them to renew the negotiations quickly, not on the deal that’s been negotiated without success for almost four months, but on a deal that would bring the hostages home quicker and would obviously require Israel to end the war." However, he added that this "unfortunately," won't happen "unless president [Joe] Biden weighs in very heavily and makes sure that Netanyahu agrees to end the war, because, without that, Netanyahu won't end the war." Baskin expressed his confidence that the US had the necessary "leverage" to force a ceasefire but added sceptically, "the question is if they're willing to use it". (With inputs from agencies)

Did Sinwar order Hamas to kill all hostages in case of his death? Israel's top hostage negotiator said this...

On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking several hostages. Allegations of sexual crimes have also been made by Israel. Several investigations have also said that people were raped and abused by the militants. Now one of the male victims has spoken about the horrors he endured at the music festival that was one of the sites attacked by Hamas.&nbsp;

As per local Channel 12, the victim, identified as "D", recounted the sexual assault committed by the militants on him and others at the Supernova music festival. He talked about how the Nukhba unit massacred, kidnapped and raped innocent people who were just moments ago enjoying themselves. The victim's face wasn't shown and his voice was distorted to keep his identity safe.

D said that he was pinned to the ground, and as he tried to resist, they took his clothes off. "They take off your clothes, laugh at you, humiliate you, spit at you,” he said.&nbsp;

He recalled the militants "laughing and celebrating" as people around them were dying. They were also "wildly intoxicated" and celebrating "with their pistols, with their knives.”&nbsp;

“There is a circle, [people] laugh, and you don’t know what to do in the moment, whether you should resist or let it pass, how to deal with the situation,” he said.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-tells-joint-session-of-us-congress-israel-will-win-gaza-war-743902">Netanyahu tells joint session of US Congress Israel 'will win' Gaza war</a>

The assault only stopped when other members of their team told them to move on with the terrorist attack.&nbsp;

Nearly 360 people lost their lives at the Supernova music festival, with many more taken hostage. D says he was rescued by the Israel Defense Forces. &nbsp;

He says the incident has left him "obsessed with cleanliness". “[I take] a lot, a lot of showers, to get all that energy off me, everything that happened,” he said.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

<h2>Lawsuit against the state</h2>

 
D is one of over 100 survivors who have filed a lawsuit against the state. His testimony of the sexual assault is part of the suit under which those who were at the festival and survived are demanding more than $137 million in government support. They argue that the incident has left them unable to continue with their normal lives. The Israeli police have also been collecting statements of survivors to document the scope of sexual assaults committed by Hamas.

A United Nations report completed earlier this year also found that “there are reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence occurred during the 7 October attacks in multiple locations across the Gaza periphery, including rape and gang rape, in at least three locations." It also states that the hostages also endured sexual abuse.

(With inputs from agencies)

On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking several hostages. Allegations of sexual crimes have also been made by Israel.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking several hostages. Allegations of sexual crimes have also been made by Israel. Several investigations have also said that people were raped and abused by the militants. Now one of the male victims has spoken about the horrors he endured at the music festival that was one of the sites attacked by Hamas. As per local Channel 12, the victim, identified as "D", recounted the sexual assault committed by the militants on him and others at the Supernova music festival. He talked about how the Nukhba unit massacred, kidnapped and raped innocent people who were just moments ago enjoying themselves. The victim's face wasn't shown and his voice was distorted to keep his identity safe. D said that he was pinned to the ground, and as he tried to resist, they took his clothes off. "They take off your clothes, laugh at you, humiliate you, spit at you,” he said. He recalled the militants "laughing and celebrating" as people around them were dying. They were also "wildly intoxicated" and celebrating "with their pistols, with their knives.” “There is a circle, [people] laugh, and you don’t know what to do in the moment, whether you should resist or let it pass, how to deal with the situation,” he said. Also Read: Netanyahu tells joint session of US Congress Israel 'will win' Gaza war The assault only stopped when other members of their team told them to move on with the terrorist attack. Nearly 360 people lost their lives at the Supernova music festival, with many more taken hostage. D says he was rescued by the Israel Defense Forces. He says the incident has left him "obsessed with cleanliness". “[I take] a lot, a lot of showers, to get all that energy off me, everything that happened,” he said. × Lawsuit against the state D is one of over 100 survivors who have filed a lawsuit against the state. His testimony of the sexual assault is part of the suit under which those who were at the festival and survived are demanding more than $137 million in government support. They argue that the incident has left them unable to continue with their normal lives. The Israeli police have also been collecting statements of survivors to document the scope of sexual assaults committed by Hamas. A United Nations report completed earlier this year also found that “there are reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence occurred during the 7 October attacks in multiple locations across the Gaza periphery, including rape and gang rape, in at least three locations." It also states that the hostages also endured sexual abuse. (With inputs from agencies)

Male rape survivor speaks about horrifying ordeal as Hamas attacked Supernova festival

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Hamas says no 'special privileges' for hostages as skeletal Israelis shock world

Did Sinwar order Hamas to kill all hostages in case of his death? Israel's top hostage negotiator said this...

Male rape survivor speaks about horrifying ordeal as Hamas attacked Supernova festival