In a heartfelt reunion, families welcomed home four Israeli women soldiers who were among the first hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas attacks. The return followed a ceasefire deal and brought immense joy amid ongoing concern for those still missing.
Emotional Reunions: Israeli Soldiers Return Home After Hostage Crisis
Emotional Reunions: Israeli Soldiers Return Home After Hostage Crisis
Families rejoice as four Israeli women soldiers, held hostage since October, are reunited after a significant ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
Nineteen-year-old Liri Albag rushed into her parents' arms, igniting an eruption of joy as they exclaimed, "My beauty. You're a hero. You're home. That's it." This emotional reunion marked the family's first meeting in over 15 months. Liri was among the initial Israeli hostages captured on October 7, 2023, during a Hamas attack that compromised the military base she served at, located close to the Gaza border.
She, along with three fellow soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy, all aged 20—were released as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The deal also involved the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners, a step towards ending the ongoing conflict. Her family expressed their overwhelming relief in a statement, reflecting on the harrowing 477 days of waiting that preceded this moment.
On Saturday morning, crowds gathered in Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, watching a live feed from Gaza. Cheers erupted as the women were seen waving and holding hands amidst masked gunmen from Hamas's al-Qassam Brigades during their staged handover, moments that many in the crowd found incredibly inspiring.
After their release, the soldiers were escorted to Israeli military facilities and subsequently transported by helicopter to a nearby hospital. Dr. Lena Koren Feldman, the director of Beilinson Hospital, confirmed that the hostages were in stable condition but would undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations.
The four women were part of an unarmed all-female observer unit known as tatzpitaniyot, designed for surveillance along the Gaza border fence. Family members and former unit members reported they had warned of a potential assault in the months leading up to the attack.
While presenting joy over the release of the four, there remained a poignant undercurrent of sadness for the families of those killed during the October violence. Agam Berger, another female soldier from the same unit, remains unaccounted for, and her relatives continue to hold out hope for her safe return.
The release has also raised questions over the ceasefire terms, particularly regarding a civilian hostage, Arbel Yehud, whose inclusion was anticipated but did not materialize. Hamas has indicated that she, along with another civilian, Shiri Bibas, will be released in due time.
As the families reflect on their reunions, they continue to hold their loved ones who haven't returned close to their hearts, marking a bittersweet chapter in this ongoing conflict.
