Nineteen-year-old Liri Albag was reunited with her family after more than 15 months apart, igniting an emotional moment of joy and relief. The video, filmed by the Israeli military, captured the moment as Liri rushed into her parents’ arms, with her mother expressing, “My beauty. You’re a hero. You’re home. That’s it.” Liri was one of the first hostages taken during the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on an Israeli military base along the Gaza border, where she was serving.

As part of the first phase of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, Liri, along with three other female soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy—was returned to Israel on Saturday. In exchange, 200 Palestinian prisoners were released. Following the long and tense wait, Liri’s family shared their relief, describing the 477 days of uncertainty as “long and unbearable.”

The moment was celebrated in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, where crowds gathered to watch live footage of the hostages’ return. Liri and her fellow soldiers were released in Gaza City’s Palestine Square, where they were handed over by Hamas militants and then transferred to Red Cross vehicles. Cheers filled the air as the women waved to the crowd. One onlooker in Tel Aviv remarked, “It’s amazing. They’re amazing. Did you see them stand and smile?”

In Gaza, a local man praised Hamas for returning the hostages in an “honourable way,” calling it a victory for the group. The released women were later flown by helicopter to a hospital in Israel. Dr. Lena Koren Feldman, director of Beilinson Hospital, stated that the women were in stable condition but would undergo comprehensive medical and emotional evaluations.

These four women were part of an all-female unit stationed at the Nahal Oz military base, located about a kilometer from the Gaza border. Their role was to monitor live surveillance footage and identify potential threats. In the lead-up to 7 October, some members of the unit had warned of an impending attack, sensing that “a balloon was about to burst.” The Israeli military has since launched an investigation into the events surrounding that day.

While Liri and the others were brought home, the family of Agam Berger, another member of the unit, continues to await her return, expressing hope that she may be reunited with them in the near future. The emotional moment was bittersweet for the families of those who died in the 7 October attacks, such as Roni Eshel, whose uncle, Elad Levy, expressed joy for the returnees while mourning the loss of his niece.

Israel had hoped that civilian hostage Arbel Yehud would be included in the release, but Hamas stated that she would be freed the following weekend. Another civilian, Shiri Bibas, remains in captivity along with her husband and children.