After a nerve-wracking wait, it finally happened this morning (Saturday). The hostages Karina Ariev, Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy stepped out of the vehicles of armed Hamas terrorists, standing on their feet while dressed in improvised Hamas uniforms, just moments before being handed over to the Red Cross.
They were subsequently transferred to the IDF and reunited with their families, after enduring 477 long and agonizing days and nights in captivity.
The four were freed as part of the ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.
Shortly before 11:00 a.m., Red Cross representatives arrived at the meeting point where the four were transferred. The site was crowded with hundreds of Palestinians, and Hamas even set up a stage, conducting a propaganda set piece.
The IDF Spokesperson stated, "IDF commanders and soldiers salute and embrace the returning captives on their way home. We ask the public to show responsibility and sensitivity by respecting the privacy of the returnees and their families."
The Hostage Families' Headquarters welcomed the women's return, saying, "After 477 harrowing days in captivity, Daniela, Liri, Naama, and Karina are returning home—to their families who tirelessly worked for their release, to friends who prayed for their safety, and to an entire nation that believed this day would come. Their return today symbolizes a moment of light amidst the darkness, a moment of hope and triumph of the human spirit, alongside a painful reminder of the urgency of securing the return of the 90 hostages still in Gaza."
The Prime Minister's Office also released a statement: "The Government of Israel embraces the four returning soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces. Their families have been informed by the relevant authorities that they have been reunited with our forces. The Government of Israel remains committed to securing the release of all hostages and missing persons."
