Eli Albag, father of Liri Albag, responded today (Thursday) to Agam Berger's release from Hamas captivity. "They've come full circle," he said. Her four fellow IDF observers awaited her arrival with a sign that read "Now our heart is full."
"We're overjoyed that Agam has returned and is reuniting with her friends," Eli said. "All the IDF observers have finally come home." Speaking about their reunion, he shared: "The meeting between them was deeply moving. Of course, it was emotional. I have goosebumps. They spent 480 days together." However, Eli emphasized that there is still "a soldier who was at the Nahal Oz Base who needs to return to Israel," adding: "We must bring all the hostages home quickly. As quickly as possible."
Video: The emotional reunion of the five IDF observers released from Hamas captivity. Credit: IDF
Agam Berger arrived at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, where her four companions who were released in the second phase of the deal had been transferred.
It should be noted that during Hamas' attack on Oct. 7, 2023, at the Nahal Oz Base near Gaza, 52 soldiers lost their lives. 15 female observers were killed during the battle for Nahal Oz and seven were taken hostage to Gaza. Noa Marciano was murdered in captivity and her body was returned to Israel, and Ori Magidish was rescued in a dramatic operation. On Saturday Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy were returned and the last IDF observer, Agam Berger, was released today.
During the fierce battle, Armored Corps soldiers Captain Daniel Peretz and Staff Sergeant Itay Chen were also taken hostage to Gaza – and in the time since, the IDF determined they were killed on Oct. 7. Matan Angrest was also taken hostage, and he was not included in the list of those released in phase one of the deal.
