This morning (Saturday), Brig. Gen. Hagari addressed the media after the release of the four surveillance officers Karina Arayev, Liri Elbag, Daniela Gilboa, and Naama Levi who had been held captive by Hamas.
"They arrived at the reception center to meet their parents after being released today under the agreement," Hagari said. "They were abducted on the morning of October 7 while on duty, along with Agam Berger, who remains in Hamas captivity. At this moment, the parents are reuniting with their daughters. We have completed all preparations for their return and are ready to transfer them to the hospital."
He added, "We are continuing to advance the implementation of the agreement and await the return of additional hostages expected to come home soon. Hamas has failed to meet the agreement's condition to release civilian women first. We insist on the return of the Bibas family, including Shiri and her children, whose fate we are gravely concerned about."
Hagari emphasized, "We demand the urgent return of all civilians and compliance with the agreement. This is our commitment to the citizens, to Agam Berger, and to IDF soldiers. In the past few hours, Hamas has shown its cruelty, staging a cynical ceremony and falsely portraying itself as caring for the hostages while holding 477 innocent civilians. It is a murderous terrorist organization, and the world must recognize this. Our mission will not be complete until all hostages return to Israeli territory."
Hagari also addressed the situation of Agam Berger, saying, "Agam is a brave soldier. We are committed to her release and stand with her family. We will do everything to bring her home. We have not yet received the full list of names; once we do, the families will be informed first, followed by the public. We are committed to the agreement, and I will not expand further on this."
