Israel announced Saturday that four freed hostages—Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev and Liri Albag—have been handed over to Israeli forces in Gaza and crossed the border into Israel.
"They are in safe hands and on their way home. We waited for this moment, and all of Israel waited for this moment," IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. "They joined IDF and Shin Bet forces in Gaza and have now arrived at the Re’im reception center to meet their parents.”
Hagari also mentioned lookout Agam Berger, who remains in captivity, adding, “We are committed to bringing her and all the remaining captives home.”
Hagari criticized Hamas for failing to adhere to the agreement to prioritize releasing civilians first. “We will insist on the return of Arbel Yehoud and Shiri Bibas with her two children, whose fate we fear greatly,” he said. The return of all hostages remains a top priority, Hagari emphasized.
In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office welcomed their release, saying: "The government of Israel embraces the four returning IDF soldiers. Their families have been informed that they have rejoined our forces. The government of Israel remains committed to the return of all hostages and missing persons."
Israeli military officials reported that the four freed hostages underwent medical examinations by IDF Medical Corps teams upon their transfer from the Red Cross. Their health was deemed stable, with no immediate need for specialized medical intervention.
8 View gallery
The captive lookouts being handed over to Red Cross
(Photo: REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas)
8 View gallery
Dozens of armed terrorists are gathering in Palestine Square in Gaza City ahead of hostage release
(Photo: REUTERS/via Reuters TV)
Dozens of armed terrorists gathered in Palestine Square in Gaza City where the captives were handed over to Red Cross custody in a televised ceremony.
Celebrations in freed hostage Liri Albag's hometown of Yarhiv
(Video: Yair Sagi)
The IDF released a statement confirming readiness for the hostages’ return: "The IDF, led by the Personnel Directorate and the Medical Corps, has completed preparations for the second phase of receiving hostages from Gaza. Initial reception centers have been established to provide medical care and personal support. Afterward, the returning hostages will be transported to hospitals to reunite with their families."
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
The release is part of the second phase of the hostage exchange deal, following the release earlier this week of Emily Damari, Doron Steinbacher and Romi Gonen. Unlike the previous release, Saturday's transfer was completed before midday.
At the border reception point, the freed hostages will meet IDF officers, medical personnel, psychologists and mental health professionals. Families of the hostages, including fathers who were not allowed at the previous reception, will greet them at the border. After reuniting with their families, the hostages will be flown to Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva for medical evaluations. Hospitals in Ashkelon and Be’er Sheva are also on standby for urgent cases.
The Health Ministry has prepared a protocol for treating returning hostages, which includes physical examinations, psychological care and documentation of their captivity. Priority will be given to female medical staff for examining the returning women.
Families of the observers and those of Arbel Yehoud, who was expected but excluded from this phase, have been briefed on this possibility.
Public gatherings across Israel marked the hostages' return, including a viewing event at the Hostages' Square starting at 10 a.m. and a solidarity rally at 8 p.m. However, 90 hostages remain captive in Gaza, including Shiri Bibas and her two young children, whose fate remains uncertain.
In exchange for the four hostages, Israel will release 200 Palestinian prisoners, including 120 serving life sentences for deadly attacks on Israelis. Unlike earlier releases primarily involving women and minors, this group includes high-profile inmates, many of whom will be deported.