Gaza, the release of hostages begins: Israeli soldiers embrace their parents

The four female soldiers freed by Hamas after 477 days of captivity embrace their parents at the Reem military base . IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari issued a statement in Hebrew confirming that the four female soldiers freed by Hamas, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniela Gilboa, Naama Levi, "were reunited with their parents at the Israeli military base near Reem."

The four, as reported by the Red Cross, are in good condition. However, they will be subjected to subsequent medical checks.

The emotions of the families and friends of the four Israeli female soldiers freed by Hamas have poured out in some posts on social media , accompanied by the hope that all the hostages will soon be able to return home.

"We are happy and excited to see Naama back on her feet. She has returned to us. Our hearts go out to the families of the hostages still held by Hamas, who are still waiting for their loved ones. We will not stop until the last of the hostages has returned home," Naama Levi's family said.

Noam Gilboa, Daniella's sister, said: "When the rumors started that she might not be alive anymore, I was devastated. They showed us her tattoo, and only the family knows that it is hers. I thought it was over. But now, I let go and all the fears disappeared. Until I saw her, I couldn't be happy. Yesterday my parents went to the mall and bought everything she loves the most. It was so hard for me not to see her and not be able to talk to her." Hadar Cohen, a friend of Karina Ariev, posted a story on social media in which he wrote: "I missed you so much, my Karina. Come back to us soon."

“Daniela Gilboa, Liri Elbag, Naama Levy and Karina Ariev, welcome home,” Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu said after the release. “Together with all the people of Israel, my wife and I embrace you with all our hearts. We will continue to work to bring home all our kidnapped people, both the living and the dead,” he added.

As part of today's exchange, all 200 Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli prisons, the Israel Prison Service confirmed, as a crowd of Palestinians in Ramallah erupted with joy as buses carrying the released prisoners arrived.

(Online Union)