Joy as four female Israeli hostages captured in October 7 atrocity finally freed
Joy as four female Israeli hostages captured in October 7 atrocity finally freed
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Touching scenes unfolded today as four female Israeli hostages captured in the October 7 atrocity were reunited with loved ones. The quartet of soldiers, taken 15 months ago, were set free by Hamas in exchange for 200 Palestinians. Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, all 20, and Liri Albag, 19, were snapped in emotional moments after their release. It marks the second swap since last weekend’s ceasefire which has halted fighting in war-torn Gaza.
With militants on either side of them, the four smiled as they waved and gave the thumbs-up from a stage in Gaza City's Palestine Square to a crowd of thousands. They were then led off to waiting Red Cross vehicles. The Israeli military released pictures showing the hostages’ tender moments with loved ones. Ariev’s family told how their hearts were "filled with immense gratitude and happiness".
"After 477 long and harrowing days of pain, worry and endless anxiety - we were finally able to hug our beloved Karina, hear her voice and see her smile that fills us with light again," they said in a statement, according to The Times of Israel. The family added: “Our Karina is a symbol of courage, strength of heart and determination, and we are proud of her beyond words.” And Elbag's family reportedly praised her for showing “superpowers”, adding she “survived hell, and we are so proud of her for her steadfastness in the impossible conditions”.
Israel's Prison Service said today it had completed the release of 200 Palestinians. The group included 121 serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis. Around 70 were released into Egypt – a key mediator in the talks that led to the truce – according to the country’s state-run Qahera TV.
