Elizabeth Tsurkov

The Middle East's 'week of chaos' may have lasting regional ramifications - analysis

So many important events happened in the past week over the past week that it is not clear how it will be remembered, but there may be several regional trends which are reshaped by the events.

Blasts heard in Doha, Qatar, September 9, 2025.
 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

Kataib Hezbollah believes Russian-Israeli researcher Tsurkov started becoming liability as hostage

Russian-Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was held hostage by Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq, returns to Israel, September 11, 2025.

Netanyahu speaks to Elizabeth Tsurkov day after her release from Iraq

An ambulance arrives at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan ahead of freed hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov's arrival for treatment on September 10, 2025.

After 903 days in Iraq captivity, Elizabeth Tsurkov lands in Israel


Trump's threats freed Tsurkov, Hamas should understand this as well, US envoy Boehler tells 'Post'

In a special interview with the Post, Boehler revealed new details about the behind-the-scenes work that led to Tsurkov’s freedom.

Adam Boehler, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, speaks to the media as he and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff visit the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel May 13, 2025.

Tune into today's top stories: UNSC meet on Qatar strike, Israeli hostage returns from Iraq

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Ezra Taylor - the top stories, clear and concise.

Danny Danon, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations speaks to the press before a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the Israel and Palestinian conflict, at U.N. Headquarters in New York City, U.S., August 27, 2025.

Iraqi sources spin release of Tsurkov as preventing ‘conflict’ - analysis

Iraq appears to want to wring concessions for having freed her. It took 900 days, but authorities in Baghdad are making it seem as if they did what was expected.

 Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped in Iraq earlier this year by Iranian-backed terrorist group Kataib Hezbollah.

Israel at War Day 705: What's happening in Gaza, Yemen?

UN Security Council to meet to discuss Israel's strike on Qatar • IDF demolishes homes of two terrorists in West Bank • Trump 'not thrilled' about Qatar strike

A fire ball rises from the site of a previous Israeli air strike in Sanaa, Yemen August 24, 2025.

Elizabeth Tsurkov to be returned to Israel soon after being released, source tells 'Post'

US President Donald Trump announced that Israeli-Russian citizen Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton student, was released by Kata'ib Hezbollah on Tuesday evening. 

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

Trump's tariffs might up pressure on Iraq to release Elizabeth Tsurkov - analysis

Elizabeth Tsurkov has been held in Iraq for over 860 days after being kidnapped by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia. US tariffs aim to secure her freedom.

US President Donald Trump speaks to the press as he arrives at the White House in Washington, DC, US, July 13, 2025.

Reports of deal to release Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov 'false,' official tells 'Post'

According to the proposed deal, Tsurkov's release would be in exchange for the release of an Iranian detainee in Iraq along with six other individuals.

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

Sister of Israeli held hostage in Iraq meets with US hostage envoy Boehler

Elizabeth was kidnapped in March 2023 and is being held by the Shi’ite militia Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq.

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

Israeli Elizabeth Tsurkov must be freed from Iraq, US Congressman Hamadeh says

“Elizabeth’s barbaric, inhumane treatment must end,” Congressman Abraham Hamadeh said.

 Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov over a backdrop of Iraqi and Israeli flags.

Will Iraq release Elizabeth Tsurkov two years after her kidnapping? - analysis

Russian-Israeli researcher citizenship was kidnapped by Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah in Baghdad in March 2023.

 Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped in Iraq earlier this year by Iranian-backed terrorist group Kataib Hezbollah.

Trump pushes Iraq to release Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov - report

The US urged Iraq to secure the release of Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov, warning of political and economic consequences if she remains captive, according to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

 Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped in Iraq earlier this year by Iranian-backed terrorist group Kataib Hezbollah.