Hostage families demonstrate in Tel Aviv, as reunited families celebrate
Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev, and Naama Levy released from Hamas captivity • IDF: Concern over Bibas family's wellbeing
'A moment we have been wating for': Netanyahu speaks with Liri Albag's parents
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Liri Albag's parents on Saturday evening, according to the Prime Minister's Office.
"This is a very happy moment that we have been waiting for for a long time," Netanyahu said.
Two Palestinian terrorist prisoners refused to board bus to Gaza - report
Two Palestinian terrorist prisoners who were on the list to be released on Saturday, reportedly refused to board the bus that would take them to Gaza, Kan 11 reported.
One of the prisoners was persuaded to board the bus, but the other refused, and he was replaced with a different prisoner.
Keith Siegel to be released next Saturday – report
NBC said that Siegel's fellow American citizen, Sagui Dekel Chen, will be released shortly after.
Israeli-American hostage Keith Siegel, 65, is expected to be released next Saturday, NBC reported, citing a senior Israeli administration official.
NBC also reported that Israeli-American hostage Sagui Dekel Chen, a 36-year-old father of three, is to be released soon after.
Any remaining American hostages, dead or alive, will be released in the second stage of the hostage deal.
Initial indications suggest ex-hostages in stable condition as they begin recovery
The four freed hostages were admitted to the third floor of Schneider Children's Medical Center and began a series of medical exams.
Initial indications suggest the physical conditions of the four returning former hostages - Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag - are stable.
Go to the full article >>Left behind: The story of Agam Berger, the ‘Mysterious Braider’ in Hamas captivity
Agam Berger's quiet strengh and faith shines through in the braids that many released hostages leave Gaza with, which are reportedly her doing.
Israelis celebrated across the country on Saturday morning, rejoicing upon the release of four of the five Israeli IDF observer hostages: Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev, and Naama Levy.
However, the happiness wasn’t complete since one name was missing: Agam Berger, the fifth soldier and the "mysterious braider," who will remain in captivity until next week.
Israel trying to reach deal that would return hostage Arbel Yehoud within next two days - report
The IDF has reportedly obtained proof that Yehoud is alive from Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Israel is reportedly trying to reach an agreement that would see Arbel Yehoud, one of the last remaining female hostages, released within the next two days, Al-Arabiya reported Saturday.
Go to the full article >>Liri Albag thanks IDF, Israel in newly released video
In a newly released video, former Hamas hostage Liri Albag, thanks the IDF and all of Israel for getting her out of captivity and showing her love for everyone involved.
View this post on Instagram
Liri Albag reunites with her family for the first time in 477 days
Liri Albag, now 19, was abducted a day and a half after she began her role as an observer, her cousin, IDF corporal Aya Albag shared. She was taken along with other female observers from the Nahal Oz base.
WATCH: Liri Albag embraces her parents upon returning from 15 months in Hamas captivity as part of the Gaza hostage deal.
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) January 25, 2025
📷 @IDF pic.twitter.com/HNNofyV7DK
Daniella Gilboa reunites with her family for the first time in 477 days
Daniella Gilboa was taken captive from the Nahal Oz Outpost along with other IDF observers. She was released from Hamas captivity after nearly 500 days.
WATCH: The moment released hostage Daniella Gilboa reunites with her parents upon returning from Gaza.
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) January 25, 2025
📷 @IDF pic.twitter.com/XxTy38sHqc
Naame Levy reunites with her family for the first time in 477 days
Naama Levy was taken captive from the Nahal Oz Outpost along with other IDF observers. Before her abduction, she volunteered at the United Nations, the Red Cross and co-existence organization Hands of Peace.
WATCH: Released hostage Naama Levy embraces her parents upon returning from captivity in Gaza.
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) January 25, 2025
📷 @IDF pic.twitter.com/hYhYtKVz20
Israel at war: What you need to know
- Hamas launched a massive attack on October 7, with thousands of terrorists infiltrating from the Gaza border and taking some 240 hostages into Gaza.
- Over 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals were murdered, including over 350 at the Re'im music festival and hundreds of Israeli civilians across Gaza border communities.
- 94 hostages remain in Gaza.
- 49 hostages in total have been killed in captivity, IDF says.
- The IDF launched a ground invasion of Lebanon on September 30.
- The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire came into effect on November 27 at 4:00 a.m.
- Netanyahu confirmed the first phase of the Israel-Hamas Ceasefire on January 17, 2025
- 735 terrorists will be released as part of the hostage deal