Emotional Reunions: Israeli Soldiers Home After Hostage Crisis

Mon Oct 20 2025 09:37:28 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

After 15 months of separation, families joyously embrace four female soldiers released from Hamas captivity amidst a ceasefire agreement.

Nineteen-year-old Liri Albag and three fellow soldiers returned home, triggering emotional reunions with their families. Their release, part of a ceasefire agreement, highlights the ongoing complexities of the Israeli-Gaza conflict.

Israeli families erupted in joy as their loved ones, four female soldiers, returned home after enduring 15 months of captivity. Nineteen-year-old Liri Albag reunited with her parents amid tears and laughter, exclaiming, “My beauty. You’re a hero. You’re home.” This heartfelt moment was a significant milestone for Liri and the other released soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy—who were taken hostage during the October 7, 2023 Hamas raid on their military base near Gaza.

As part of a crucial ceasefire agreement with Hamas, these soldiers were released on Saturday in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners. Liri’s family expressed overwhelming relief following the “477 long and unbearable days” since their last embrace. Crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, anxiously watching live feeds of the release, illustrating the powerful emotional connection the community has to the hostages' plight.

The moment of their release in Gaza City was also noteworthy, with cheers erupting as the soldiers, flanked by masked Hamas fighters, waved to the crowd. Observers noted the contrasting emotions expressed on both sides, with some viewing the exchange as a victory for Hamas.

Health professionals at Beilinson Hospital indicated that the reunited soldiers were stable, while they proceeded with thorough medical and emotional evaluations post-captivity. These women were part of an all-female observation unit, tasked with monitoring security footage along the Gaza border, where concerns about an impending attack had been repeatedly raised prior to the October assault.

While celebrations unfolded, the continuing struggle of family members of those still unaccounted for added a bittersweet tone to the day. Worries linger for those like Agam Berger, a member of the same unit who is still in Gaza, amplifying the complex emotions tied to liberation and loss.

As the community welcomes back its heroes, many remain mindful of those who continue to suffer, including family members grieving loved ones lost in the conflict, further highlighting the deep impacts of this ongoing strife.