Four Israeli female soldiers, Karina, Daniella, Liri, and Naama, returned home on Saturday after being released from captivity in Gaza. Their release was part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which also saw the release of two hundred Palestinian prisoners. This marked the first phase of a deal aimed at ending the conflict, which had escalated following the October 7 attack on the Nahal Oz military base near the Gaza border.
The soldiers, aged 20, were part of an all-female unit of observers known as tatzpitaniyot. Their role involved monitoring live surveillance footage to detect suspicious activity. They were among the first Israelis taken hostage during the attack. The release occurred during a staged handover in Gaza City's Palestine Square, where cheers erupted as they appeared flanked by masked gunmen from Hamas's al-Qassam Brigades. The women were subsequently transferred to the Israeli military and flown by helicopter to a hospital.
Dr. Lena Koren Feldman, director of Beilinson Hospital, described the women's condition as "stable." They will undergo a comprehensive medical and emotional evaluation to aid in their recovery. The release was a bittersweet moment for the families of other observers who were killed on October 7. Elad Levy expressed mixed emotions about the day, stating:
"This is a very emotional day for us."
Levy continued:
"We are very happy to see Karina, Daniella, Liri and Naama coming back home to their families. At the same time, we remember that there are hostages still in Gaza. And for us, we remember Roni who will never come back home."
The family of Liri expressed their relief and joy after an agonizing wait:
"The feeling of relief and happiness envelops us after 477 long and unbearable days of nerve-wracking waiting."
Liri's mother welcomed her daughter back with an emotional declaration:
"My beauty. You're a hero. You're home. That's it."
A fellow unit member shared her sentiments upon seeing the women return:
"I have been very emotional… This feels like sisters coming home."
She added:
"God willing, we will all sit together and talk, but of course no pressure. They have to heal first."
Despite the joyous reunion, one woman remains in Gaza. Agam Berger is expected to be released in the coming week as part of the ongoing negotiations. Another female civilian, Arbel Yehud, was also anticipated to be freed but was not included in the initial release.
Hamas accused Israel of breaching the terms of the ceasefire by prioritizing the release of female soldiers over female civilians. This accusation adds complexity to an already tense situation as both sides navigate the fragile ceasefire deal.
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