Video: 4 Israeli women hostages released from Gaza reunite with families

In a moment filled with tears, cheers, and raw emotion, four female Israeli soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—returned home on Saturday after being held captive in Gaza for 477 days. Their release is part of the second phase of a ceasefire-hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas.

Returning home after 477 days

  The four women, aged 19 and 20, were handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas and transported by an elite Israel Defence Forces (IDF) unit to a military base near Re’im in southern Israel. It was there that they were reunited with their families in scenes of overwhelming joy.

 

 

“You came back, our darling, you came back,” said Karina Ariev’s mother as she embraced her daughter. In another emotional moment, Daniella Gilboa ran into her parents’ arms, exclaiming to her mother, “Mom, you’re a lioness.” 

They’re in our hands now and we are not letting go????  Welcome home, Daniella, Liri, Karina and Naama. pic.twitter.com/A1V9FcbQY6

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 25, 2025

 

Naama Levy’s mother, Dr Ayelet Levy Shachar, dropped her bag and ran to greet her daughter in a hallway filled with sobs and laughter. “I’ll take care of you, everything will be okay,” Naama’s father whispered as they embraced.

 

For Liri Albag, the youngest of the four, the reunion was equally moving. Her father shouted, “Liri, baby!” as the 19-year-old jumped into the arms of her parents. “That’s it, you’re home, you’re home,” her mother cried.

 

Hundreds gather at Hostages Square

 

The emotional reunions extended beyond the military base. In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, hundreds gathered to watch the release live on giant screens. Cries of joy erupted as the four women appeared on the screen.

 

“The feeling is great—excitement, tears, and joy, all at once,” Sima Ben Naim, 70, who joined the crowd, told Times of Israel. Another attendee, Shlomi Ben Yakar, described the moment as “waves of excitement and happiness,” adding, “It felt like a dream, and now it’s a good dream coming true.” 

This is the moment ????  Welcome home Liri, Daniella, Karina and Naama. ???????? pic.twitter.com/1DAbWX9Ix4

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 25, 2025

  

After being flown to Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva for further medical and psychological care, the women expressed their gratitude. “I love you, all the citizens of Israel who supported our families and to the IDF who did everything for us,” Liri said in a video message. She also wrote on a whiteboard, “I’m back,” and waved at cheering supporters gathered near the hospital’s landing site. 

The touching message of Liri to the citizens of israel "I love you, thank you!" ???? pic.twitter.com/DOZzmtMmRs

— Am Yisrael Chai ???????????? (@kyg_best) January 25, 2025

 

Daniella’s 15-year-old sister reflected on seeing her sibling again after 15 long months. “Wow, I imagined her totally different. It brought back all the emotions I’ve had this past year,” she said. 

Complex reality of captivity and war

 

The four women were among seven female soldiers abducted from the Nahal Oz army base during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which killed over 1,200 people. As part of the exchange, Israel released 200 Palestinian prisoners, including several serving life sentences for terrorism. The ceasefire deal has also seen Hamas release a total of 112 hostages since November 2023, with 87 Israelis still believed to be in Gaza, including 34 confirmed dead.