Finally Home: Hostages Daniella, Naama, Karina, and Liri Freed from Captivity

Today (Saturday), after 477 harrowing days in Hamas captivity, four brave female IDF soldiers—Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev, and Liri Albag—were finally reunited with their families. Held hostage since their abduction at the Nahal Oz outpost, these courageous women have become symbols of Israel’s resilience and hope. They are the second set of hostages freed under the ongoing release deal, but the ordeal is far from over, as 90 hostages remain in Hamas captivity in Gaza.

An Emotional Reunion After 477 Days

The IDF “Salutes and Embraces” the Freed Soldiers

The return of the soldiers was a carefully coordinated effort. By 8:31 AM this morning, the IDF’s Personnel Directorate and Medical Corps finalized preparations to receive the returning hostages, and by 10:15 AM, Air Force helicopters were ready to carry out the mission. At 11:16 AM, the International Red Cross reported that four Israeli hostages had been transferred into their care and were en route to IDF and Shin Bet forces in the Gaza Strip.

At 11:36 AM, the IDF Spokesperson announced: “The four returnees are currently accompanied by an elite IDF unit and a Shin Bet force on their journey to Israel, where they will receive an initial medical examination.” The spokesperson further emphasized the IDF’s support for the freed hostages, stating, “We salute and embrace the returnees on their way home,” and called on the public to “respect the privacy of the returning hostages and their families.”

By 11:51 AM, the security forces and the hostages crossed into Israeli territory and proceeded to the reception point in the surrounding area and underwent preliminary medical evaluations. By 12:24 PM, Daniela Gilboa, Liri Albag, Naama Levi, and Karina Ariev arrived at the reception point and were at last reunited with their parents, marking the end of a 477-day nightmare.

Footage of the First Encounter with the IDF Team:

At 2:15 PM, the four soldiers and their parents were flown by Air Force helicopter to a hospital where they met the rest of their family members and received medical treatment.

Bringing Them Home: “What a Great Privilege”
IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari reaffirmed Israel’s resolve:
“Today, we welcomed home four more Israeli hostages… but our mission is not over until every single hostage comes home.”

The crew responsible for bringing the women back was reminded of their sacred duty: “Understand the great privilege and immense responsibility you have to safely return our hostages.”

IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari’s Statement:

President Herzog: “A Teary Eye and a Joyful Heart”

President Isaac Herzog posted on his X account:
“Daniela, Liri, Naama, and Karina – you are heroes! Welcome back.

We watched you smiling and wept. An entire nation weeps and rejoices with you at this moment. We are overjoyed to finally see you reunited with your wonderful families and pray that you find the strength for the healing and rehabilitation process, surrounded by endless love and support.

‘A teary eye and a joyful heart’ – at this moment, our hearts are with the Bibas, Yehud, and Berger families, and with all the families who are anxious and worried. We will not rest or stay silent until we bring back all our brothers and sisters from the hell of captivity in Gaza – the living, to rehabilitation and their families, and the fallen, to a proper burial in Israel.”

At this moment of gratitude for the release of Daniela, Liri, Naama, and Karina, we stand firm in faith, trusting that God will guide the remaining hostages to freedom. As we remain vigilant, we draw strength from the unchanging truth that our help comes from God, who never slumbers nor sleeps but watches over Israel continually.

Psalms 121:

A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—He who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.