Israel Celebrates Release of four Hostages After 15 Months in Gaza
JERUSALEM – On January 25, Israel erupted in jubilation as four Israeli soldiers, held hostage in Gaza for 15 months, were finally released. Crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s public square, watching the emotional moment unfold live on screens. The release of Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, all aged 20, and Liri Albag, 19, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The declaration of their release came just a day earlier, when Hamas revealed the names of the hostages to be freed as part of a complex, multi-phased ceasefire deal. This agreement also includes the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Three hostages were released the previous weekend,setting the stage for this latest advancement.
At the Gilboa family home in Petah tikva, near Tel Aviv, 15-year-old Noam Gilboa expressed her overwhelming emotions after seeing her sister Daniella on television. “We remained optimistic and we did everything to see her back here, for her return,” Noam said. “Wow, I imagined her totally different. It brought back all the emotions I’ve had this past year.”
The four soldiers were abducted during the Hamas-led cross-border attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which left around 1,200 people dead and 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli officials. More than 100 hostages were released in November 2023 during a week-long truce.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog captured the nation’s sentiment in a heartfelt message: “An entire nation weeps and rejoices with you at this moment.” The Israeli military released videos of the hostages’ emotional reunions with their families. In one clip, Liri’s mother can be heard saying, “You are a hero, you are home, that’s it.”
However,details about their conditions during their 470-day captivity remain scarce.A health ministry official at Rabin Medical Center, where the hostages were treated, described the moment as “emotionally and medically complex for those returning and their families, for the families of all captives.”
For Liri’s aunt, Ruhama Albag, the day was filled with “incredible joy.” She described Liri as “looking wonderful, full of energy, full of vitality, waving, in peace with herself.” Yet,she emphasized the ongoing struggle: “We won’t rest for a moment until everyone (all hostages) is back. And this moment can’t be described, it is pure joy.”
While the nation celebrated, the mood was tempered by the absence of Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old civilian hostage manny expected to be freed. yehud was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, alongside her boyfriend. Hamas has indicated she will be released next week.
As Israel continues to navigate the complexities of this conflict, the release of these four soldiers offers a glimmer of hope. Yet, the journey to bring all hostages home remains far from over.
| Key Details |
|——————|
| Hostages Released | Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, Liri Albag |
| Date of Release | January 25, 2024 |
| Duration of Captivity | 15 months |
| Total Hostages Taken on Oct 7, 2023 | 250 |
| Hostages Still Held in Gaza | over 80 |
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