Four women soldiers among the first group of hostages exchanged, marked by tearful reunions and calls for further action.
Israeli Hostage Soldiers Joyfully Reunite with Families After 15 Months
Israeli Hostage Soldiers Joyfully Reunite with Families After 15 Months
Israeli military shares emotional scenes as released hostages return home amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
The streets of Tel Aviv were alive with cheers and tears as families reunited with their loved ones this past Saturday, 15 months after their abduction during the devastating Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Nineteen-year-old Liri Albag embraced her parents amid shouts of joy captured by the Israeli military. "My beauty. You're a hero. You're home," her mother exclaimed as the family shared a moment of relief and happiness together.
Liri was one of the first hostages taken when militants overran her military base along the Gaza border. She, along with fellow soldiers Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy, was part of a group released in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners in compliance with an emerging ceasefire agreement. The emotional reunion signified the end of a painful chapter for their families after 477 long days filled with uncertainty.
In Hostages Square, crowds gathered as they awaited the women’s return, closely following live news feeds from Gaza displaying the staged transfer orchestrated by Hamas. Cheers erupted in Tel Aviv as the women waved to supporters, escorted by masked gunmen, their smiles radiating a mixture of relief and perseverance.
Dr. Lena Koren Feldman, the director of Beilinson Hospital, reported the released hostages were in "stable condition" but emphasized the necessity for comprehensive medical evaluations. This recent exchange marked a significant step in ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict that escalated following months of prior negotiations.
The four women, part of an unarmed unit specializing in surveillance, were stationed near the Gaza border, tasked with observing and reporting potential threats. As investigations into the circumstances of their capture continue, the families of the unit members expressed joy for the returned hostages while mourning those lost in the conflict.
Among those still in captivity is Agam Berger, another soldier from Liri’s unit. Her family expressed hope for her safe return while acknowledging the bittersweet nature of the day, particularly for those who lost loved ones in the attacks. Calls for a comprehensive resolution continue as the community rallies for all hostages still unaccounted for while awaiting promised further exchanges.
Liri was one of the first hostages taken when militants overran her military base along the Gaza border. She, along with fellow soldiers Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy, was part of a group released in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners in compliance with an emerging ceasefire agreement. The emotional reunion signified the end of a painful chapter for their families after 477 long days filled with uncertainty.
In Hostages Square, crowds gathered as they awaited the women’s return, closely following live news feeds from Gaza displaying the staged transfer orchestrated by Hamas. Cheers erupted in Tel Aviv as the women waved to supporters, escorted by masked gunmen, their smiles radiating a mixture of relief and perseverance.
Dr. Lena Koren Feldman, the director of Beilinson Hospital, reported the released hostages were in "stable condition" but emphasized the necessity for comprehensive medical evaluations. This recent exchange marked a significant step in ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict that escalated following months of prior negotiations.
The four women, part of an unarmed unit specializing in surveillance, were stationed near the Gaza border, tasked with observing and reporting potential threats. As investigations into the circumstances of their capture continue, the families of the unit members expressed joy for the returned hostages while mourning those lost in the conflict.
Among those still in captivity is Agam Berger, another soldier from Liri’s unit. Her family expressed hope for her safe return while acknowledging the bittersweet nature of the day, particularly for those who lost loved ones in the attacks. Calls for a comprehensive resolution continue as the community rallies for all hostages still unaccounted for while awaiting promised further exchanges.
