**Emotional Reunions: Israeli Soldiers Returned Amid Ceasefire Deal**

The return of Israeli female soldiers, taken hostage during the Hamas attack, marks a significant moment amid a ceasefire and highlights the emotional toll of ongoing conflict.

Nineteen-year-old Liri Albag was met with overwhelming joy as she reunited with her family after spending more than 15 months apart. Captured during the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 while stationed at a border military base, Liri's homecoming represents a powerful emotional rekindling amidst the backdrop of a tense ceasefire agreement with Hamas that has seen a simultaneous return of Palestinian prisoners.

The reunion was filled with tears and laughter as Liri's mother exclaimed, “My beauty. You're a hero. You're home. That's it,” encapsulating the deep relief felt by families across Israel. Liri was among four soldiers released on Saturday as part of the first phase of the agreement, alongside fellow servicemembers Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy, all 20 years old.

Crowds in Tel Aviv gathered in Hostages Square, closely following a live feed that captured the emotional handover in Gaza, where the women were flanked by masked Hamas gunmen. Cheers erupted from the crowd as the soldiers were seen waving before their transfer back to Israel in Red Cross vehicles.

On the ground in Gaza, supporters hailed the event as a victory for Hamas, while in Israel, medical professionals stated that the four released soldiers were in stable condition but required ongoing evaluation following their harrowing ordeal.

These women were part of a specialized all-female observation unit, tasked with monitoring surveillance footage along the Gaza border. In the months leading up to their capture, many from the unit had expressed concerns over the looming threat of an attack, with one member describing it as “a balloon that was going to burst.”

As the families celebrated, there was a palpable bittersweetness. One family member of a soldier still held captive expressed their joy at the return of others while maintaining hope for their loved one. Another survivor, who was not on duty during the attack, shared her emotional relief, calling the returning soldiers “sisters.”

While joy filled the air for some, the harsh reminder of those who remain missing weighed heavy on the hearts of families who lost loved ones in the attack. As the nation took a moment to rejoice, they also recognized the ongoing realities of hostages still in captivity and the anguish of those left behind.

Israel anticipated that civilian hostage Arbel Yehud would also be released during this phase, but Hamas announced her release will be postponed to next weekend. The continuing conflict and the fragility of peace underscore the necessity for lasting resolutions as families continue to grapple with their losses and the uncertain future ahead.