Hamas planned a sickening display of power but was met with a display of power by four heroic young women

The IDF field observers Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, Danielle Gilboa, and Liri Albag were released today (Saturday) from Hamas captivity after 477 days of being held by terrorists.

As they were handed over to the Red Cross, all four were documented walking on their own, smiling, and holding hands—surrounded by hundreds of terrorists.

Around the world, their photo was published as they stood tall on a stage in Palestine Square in Gaza City. Media outlets such as Spain's El País, France's Le Monde, Germany's Der Spiegel, and the UK's BBC were among the international media organizations that featured the victory photo of the four observers.

Liri Albag's family stated, "At last, we were able to see Liri, hug her, and know that she is with us, in her safe place, surrounded by her family's love. Liri showed incredible strength and survived hell, and we are so proud of her steadfastness in impossible conditions."

"However, our hearts are with the families of Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, the Bibas family, and all the other hostages who are still waiting to return home. Even in these moments of joy, our thoughts are with them, and we are determined to fight until the last hostage returns home," the family added.

Naama Levy's family stated, "We are happy and excited to see Naama back on her feet and returning to us. Our hearts are with the Berger and Yehud families who are still waiting for their loved ones. We will not rest until the last hostage comes home."

Karina, Naama, Danielle, and Liri are four of seven field observers who were abducted from the Nahal Oz outpost on October 7, where one of the fiercest battles took place that Saturday. Among them were Ori Megidish, who was rescued by the IDF weeks after her abduction, Noa Marciano, who was murdered in captivity and whose body was returned to Israel, and Agam Berger, who was not released in the second batch of the deal.

Agam Berger's grandfather told Kan News, "I hope she will be on the next list. I am very happy for the families of Liri, Danielle, Naama, and Karina, but I am disappointed with the way the negotiations have been handled—they are dictating terms to us, not the other way around, even though we won."

Yesterday, the terrorist organization published a list of hostages expected to be released as part of the second phase of the hostage deal, which included the four of them. Contrary to the agreement prioritizing the return of civilians, the list did not include Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old civilian from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

A hug 477 days in the making. pic.twitter.com/GVfiT8iWus

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 25, 2025

Liri Albag
19-years-old, from Moshav Yarhiv in the Sharon region. Liri arrived at the outpost for the first time two days before the murderous attack. Her family received signs of life from her through hostages who were returned to Israel during the first hostage deal. In March, the room where she was held captive was revealed, where she had spent part of her time alongside fellow observers Agam Berger, Karina Ariev, and Danielle Gilboa. About three weeks ago, Hamas released footage of her in captivity.

Liri loves cooking and traveling the world. Her dream is to visit Japan, and she has a list of restaurants for every destination. She wants to become an interior designer and architect, and study design in Paris. Her family calls her "Hili." She loves cooking and motor sports. Liri has three tattoos, which she got in one day: the word 'Faith', a clover, and cherry blossoms, symbolizing her motto—life is short, and we should enjoy it.

Karina Ariev
20 years old from Jerusalem. Karina has two parents and a sister, who have fought for her return.

In August, her sister was interviewed on Kan Reshet Bet by Aryeh Golan and said the family had information confirming she was alive. On August 4, Karina marked her 20th birthday while in Hamas captivity.

Danielle Gilboa
20 years old from Petah Tikva. Danielle’s full name was actually Daniel, but her parents added the letter "hey" [a Hebrew shorthand for "God"] to her name after her abduction, in consultation with a rabbi.

Danielle has two parents, a younger sister, and a boyfriend of seven years, Roy. Her family described her as a singer and songwriter who loves music. Her favorite singer is Yasmin Moalem, who visited her family after the abduction. Danielle and Roy met in middle school. On March 27, she marked her 20th birthday while still in captivity.

Naama Levy
20 years old from Ra’anana. A video of Naama's abduction, circulated on social media, is one of the most harrowing images from the day of the massacre. In the video, Naama is seen barefoot, injured, and with bloodstained pants, being brutally dragged by terrorists pulling her hair into a jeep in Gaza.

Naama has three siblings and is a triathlete. Before her enlistment, she was active in a movement aimed at promoting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Ahead of her expected release today, her family posted photos with the caption: "Waiting for you at home."