In a poignant return, four Israeli women soldiers, including Liri Albag, were reunited with their families after 477 days of captivity following their abduction during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Their release is part of a ceasefire agreement, bringing relief and joy to their loved ones amidst ongoing tensions.
Heartwarming Reunions: Israeli Soldiers Return Home Amid Ceasefire
Heartwarming Reunions: Israeli Soldiers Return Home Amid Ceasefire
Families celebrate as female soldiers taken hostage during the Hamas attack are reunited in emotional scenes.
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Nineteen-year-old Liri Albag rushed into the embrace of her parents, filling the air with screams of joy that echoed the emotions of the moment. "My beauty. You're a hero. You're home. That's it," her mother exclaimed, as the three experienced their first hug in over 15 months. This touching reunion was captured by the Israeli military and took place after Liri was among the initial hostages taken during the brutal Hamas assault on October 7, 2023.
She was one of four female soldiers released back to Israel on Saturday as part of an initial phase of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, which included the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange. “The feeling of relief and happiness envelops us after 477 long and unbearable days of nerve-wracking waiting,” Liri’s family remarked in a statement following her release, underlining the intense emotions felt after such a long separation.
In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered in Hostages Square, eagerly watching a live news feed that marked the soldiers' transition back home. Cheers resounded when the women appeared, escorted by masked fighters from Hamas's al-Qassam Brigades before being taken away in Red Cross vehicles. “It’s amazing. They’re amazing. Did you see them stand and smile?” a woman in the crowd remarked.
While celebrations unfolded in Israel, there were mixed emotions in Gaza. One man claimed that the return of hostages was an "honourable way" for Hamas to conduct their operations, calling it a victory for the group.
After their safe arrival in Israel, the soldiers were transferred to the military and later flown by helicopter to a local hospital. Dr. Lena Koren Feldman, the director of Beilinson Hospital, stated that the women were in a “stable condition” but would undergo comprehensive medical and emotional evaluations.
The four soldiers—their ages ranging from 19 to 20—had been held since their abduction from Nahal Oz military base, situated close to the Gaza border. They were part of an all-female, unarmed observation unit known as tatzpitaniyot in Hebrew, tasked with monitoring live footage from high-tech surveillance cameras.
Although relieved by the return of these soldiers, families of those killed during the attacks felt bittersweet. Elad Levy expressed his mixed feelings stating, “This is a very emotional day for us,” mourning his niece Roni Eshel, who served with the women but did not survive the assault.
As celebrations took place, another female civilian, Arbel Yehud, initially expected to be included in the release was confirmed not to be part of the group. Instead, Hamas announced that she would be freed next weekend, showcasing the complexities involved even in moments of joy.
The air of relief and happiness, however, was palpable, as families rejoiced, united once again—waiting and hoping for further good news. For those still holding onto hope, like Agam Berger’s family, who continues to await her return, the desire for a full reunion persists amidst the ongoing recovery process.
Nineteen-year-old Liri Albag rushed into the embrace of her parents, filling the air with screams of joy that echoed the emotions of the moment. "My beauty. You're a hero. You're home. That's it," her mother exclaimed, as the three experienced their first hug in over 15 months. This touching reunion was captured by the Israeli military and took place after Liri was among the initial hostages taken during the brutal Hamas assault on October 7, 2023.
She was one of four female soldiers released back to Israel on Saturday as part of an initial phase of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, which included the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange. “The feeling of relief and happiness envelops us after 477 long and unbearable days of nerve-wracking waiting,” Liri’s family remarked in a statement following her release, underlining the intense emotions felt after such a long separation.
In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered in Hostages Square, eagerly watching a live news feed that marked the soldiers' transition back home. Cheers resounded when the women appeared, escorted by masked fighters from Hamas's al-Qassam Brigades before being taken away in Red Cross vehicles. “It’s amazing. They’re amazing. Did you see them stand and smile?” a woman in the crowd remarked.
While celebrations unfolded in Israel, there were mixed emotions in Gaza. One man claimed that the return of hostages was an "honourable way" for Hamas to conduct their operations, calling it a victory for the group.
After their safe arrival in Israel, the soldiers were transferred to the military and later flown by helicopter to a local hospital. Dr. Lena Koren Feldman, the director of Beilinson Hospital, stated that the women were in a “stable condition” but would undergo comprehensive medical and emotional evaluations.
The four soldiers—their ages ranging from 19 to 20—had been held since their abduction from Nahal Oz military base, situated close to the Gaza border. They were part of an all-female, unarmed observation unit known as tatzpitaniyot in Hebrew, tasked with monitoring live footage from high-tech surveillance cameras.
Although relieved by the return of these soldiers, families of those killed during the attacks felt bittersweet. Elad Levy expressed his mixed feelings stating, “This is a very emotional day for us,” mourning his niece Roni Eshel, who served with the women but did not survive the assault.
As celebrations took place, another female civilian, Arbel Yehud, initially expected to be included in the release was confirmed not to be part of the group. Instead, Hamas announced that she would be freed next weekend, showcasing the complexities involved even in moments of joy.
The air of relief and happiness, however, was palpable, as families rejoiced, united once again—waiting and hoping for further good news. For those still holding onto hope, like Agam Berger’s family, who continues to await her return, the desire for a full reunion persists amidst the ongoing recovery process.
