Four Israeli women have returned home after 15 months in captivity as Israel and the Hamas terrorist group move forward with a fragile cease-fire deal.
Hamas released the four female soldiers on Jan. 25 in return for 200 Palestinian prisoners as part of the cease-fire arrangement.
Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, all now 19 or 20 years old, were stationed at an observation post on the edge of the Gaza Strip when thousands of Palestinians led by Hamas fighters burst through the border and began a rampage that killed roughly 1,200 people.
“We are overjoyed and moved to see Naama standing strong and returning to us,” Levy’s family said in a statement after they were reunited.
The four were serving as observers, non-combat service members tasked with surveilling suspicious activity at the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip, when their post was overrun and the rest of the soldiers there killed.
At least two of the women were freshly conscripted into the Israel Defense Forces at the time of the attack. Oct. 7, 2023, was Albag’s second day in service.
“Liri demonstrated superhuman strength and survived hell, and we are so proud of her steadfast endurance under impossible conditions,” her family said in a statement.
After the initial attack, which killed most of the people stationed at the observation post, the women were abducted and taken back to Gaza by Hamas, just four of about 250 hostages taken that day.
Body camera footage recovered from deceased Hamas fighters that day revealed videos of the women, some in pajamas and covered in blood, being forced into the back of a jeep by masked men.
The four appeared to be in better health and spirits this weekend when they were released and finally reunited with their families. The group will next be taken to a hospital in central Israel, according to Israel’s Ministry of Health. Another female soldier abducted with them is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Hundreds of people gathered in Tel Aviv, Israel, at Hostages Square, where they cheered and wept as the return of the four hostages was played on a giant screen for public viewing.
Meanwhile, buses carrying some 200 Palestinians departed from the Ofer military prison to be released in the West Bank or deported to Egypt. Among them were convicted militants serving life sentences for their involvement in a variety of deadly terror attacks over the years.
The exchange is the second since a cease-fire began on Jan. 19 when Hamas handed over three Israeli female civilians in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners.
Under the terms of the cease-fire agreement, Hamas is to release 33 hostages within six weeks, including children, women, older men, and the sick and injured. In return, Israel is to exchange hundreds of prisoners, many with ties to regional terror networks.
The return of the remaining 90 hostages, both living and dead, is to be negotiated during the next phase of the agreement.
“Our hearts are filled with immense gratitude and joy,” Ariev’s family said in a statement. “After 477 tumultuous days of pain, worry, and endless anxiety—we finally got to embrace our beloved Karina, hear her voice, and see her smile that once again fills us with light.”
The White House released a statement on Jan. 25 after the hostage release.
“Today the world celebrates as President Trump secured the release of four more Israeli hostages who were, for far too long, held against their will by Hamas in horrific conditions,” the statement reads.
“The United States will continue with its great partner Israel to push for the release of all remaining hostages and the pursuit of peace throughout the region.”
