Amid cheers and tears, nineteen-year-old Liri Albag rushed into her parents' arms in a powerful scene filmed by the Israeli military. It was their first embrace after 15 long months of absence, sparking emotional responses from those witnessing the reunion. "My beauty. You're a hero. You're home. That's it," her mother exclaimed, encapsulating the relief felt by families at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as news spread of the soldiers' return.
Liri was among the first hostages taken during the surprise Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. She, along with three others—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy—was released in accordance with the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement, which also involved the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners. "The feeling of relief and happiness envelops us after 477 long and unbearable days of nerve-wracking waiting," stated Liri’s family following her release.
The ceremony unfolded dramatically in Gaza City's Palestine Square, where the women appeared surrounded by masked Hamas gunmen. Crowds in both Gaza and Tel Aviv watched closely as the women waved and smiled before being taken away in Red Cross vehicles. "It's amazing. They're amazing. Did you see them stand and smile?" a supporter exclaimed as cheers erupted around her.
After the release, the soldiers were immediately transferred to Israeli military personnel and later flown by helicopter to Beilinson Hospital, where Dr. Lena Koren Feldman reported that they were in stable condition but would undergo comprehensive medical assessments.
The women had been serving in an unarmed all-female unit tasked with surveillance near the Gaza border before their abduction. Their return comes amidst ongoing negotiations for a stable ceasefire following the recent outbreak of violence, which saw many families torn apart. However, the joyous reunion was bittersweet for some; families of soldiers killed in the October 7 attacks still grieve their losses, with one relative reminding the public, "for us, we remember Roni who will never come back home."
As celebrations for the returning soldiers continue, hopes linger for the safe return of others still held hostage, including female civilians like Arbel Yehud, who is expected to be released next week.
Liri was among the first hostages taken during the surprise Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. She, along with three others—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy—was released in accordance with the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement, which also involved the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners. "The feeling of relief and happiness envelops us after 477 long and unbearable days of nerve-wracking waiting," stated Liri’s family following her release.
The ceremony unfolded dramatically in Gaza City's Palestine Square, where the women appeared surrounded by masked Hamas gunmen. Crowds in both Gaza and Tel Aviv watched closely as the women waved and smiled before being taken away in Red Cross vehicles. "It's amazing. They're amazing. Did you see them stand and smile?" a supporter exclaimed as cheers erupted around her.
After the release, the soldiers were immediately transferred to Israeli military personnel and later flown by helicopter to Beilinson Hospital, where Dr. Lena Koren Feldman reported that they were in stable condition but would undergo comprehensive medical assessments.
The women had been serving in an unarmed all-female unit tasked with surveillance near the Gaza border before their abduction. Their return comes amidst ongoing negotiations for a stable ceasefire following the recent outbreak of violence, which saw many families torn apart. However, the joyous reunion was bittersweet for some; families of soldiers killed in the October 7 attacks still grieve their losses, with one relative reminding the public, "for us, we remember Roni who will never come back home."
As celebrations for the returning soldiers continue, hopes linger for the safe return of others still held hostage, including female civilians like Arbel Yehud, who is expected to be released next week.
