Story perspectives

Hamas Releases All Hostages; Israel Considers New Guidelines

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

For the first time since 2014, Hamas is not holding any Israeli hostages.
This pause offers Israel an opportunity to reassess its approach to hostage situations.
The Shamgar Commission proposed guidelines for handling kidnappings, which were never implemented.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for adopting the Shamgar Commission guidelines to prevent future kidnappings.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledges the issue's complexity.

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Story summary

For the first time since 2014, Hamas is not holding any Israeli hostages.
This pause offers Israel an opportunity to reassess its approach to hostage situations.
The Shamgar Commission proposed guidelines for handling kidnappings, which were never implemented.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for adopting the Shamgar Commission guidelines to prevent future kidnappings.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledges the issue's complexity.