In Tel Aviv, Liri rushed into her parents' arms, her mother's voice filled with emotion as she exclaimed, "My beauty. You're a hero. You're home." This touching reunion was the first time they had seen each other in over 15 months. Liri was one of four soldiers released as part of a ceasefire deal in which 200 Palestinian prisoners were exchanged.
The atmosphere was euphoric as crowds gathered in Hostages Square, glued to live broadcasts of the event. The women, flanked by Hamas militants during their staged handover in Gaza City, showed signs of resilience and hope, waving to supporters as they were transferred to the Israeli military and later flown to a hospital for evaluation.
Dr. Lena Koren Feldman from Beilinson Hospital provided updates, saying the soldiers were stable and advised that they would undergo thorough medical assessments. The return of the women marks the second round of hostages freed under the ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, which erupted after months of tensions.
The returning soldiers were part of an unarmed surveillance unit, previously warning of an impending attack before their abduction. One member remains in captivity, and her family expressed hope for her return. As celebrations erupted among some, it was a poignant moment for the families of those killed in the October attack, as they reflected on both joy and loss during this emotional reunion.
In light of the ceasefire's complexities, questions around the status of other hostages persist, with Israeli officials emphasizing the importance of continuing dialogues for a lasting peace in the region.
The atmosphere was euphoric as crowds gathered in Hostages Square, glued to live broadcasts of the event. The women, flanked by Hamas militants during their staged handover in Gaza City, showed signs of resilience and hope, waving to supporters as they were transferred to the Israeli military and later flown to a hospital for evaluation.
Dr. Lena Koren Feldman from Beilinson Hospital provided updates, saying the soldiers were stable and advised that they would undergo thorough medical assessments. The return of the women marks the second round of hostages freed under the ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, which erupted after months of tensions.
The returning soldiers were part of an unarmed surveillance unit, previously warning of an impending attack before their abduction. One member remains in captivity, and her family expressed hope for her return. As celebrations erupted among some, it was a poignant moment for the families of those killed in the October attack, as they reflected on both joy and loss during this emotional reunion.
In light of the ceasefire's complexities, questions around the status of other hostages persist, with Israeli officials emphasizing the importance of continuing dialogues for a lasting peace in the region.
