Following a tense back and forth in negotiations between Israel and Hamas over the hostages list, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, Liri Albag were released today (Saturday) from Hamas captivity and reunited with their families.
Watch:
According to reporter Amit Segal, Hamas now has until midnight tonight to announce how many of the hostages are still alive based on the list it now has.
NBC announced that American-Israeli hostage Kieth Siegel will be released next Saturday as part of the hostage deal.
200 terrorists were released from prison in exchange for the four hostages, over a hundred of them into Judea and Samaria. Pro-Hamas demonstrations and expressions of joy at their release in the area are being reported, though the Palestinian Authority is reportedly trying to take down pro-Hamas posters.
Before their release, Hamas displayed the four hostages in makeshift military uniforms to show them as captive soldiers, even though all four were civilians at the time of their kidnapping.
President Isaac Herzog released this message following their release:
"Daniella, Liri, Naama, and Karina—you are heroes! Welcome back home!
"We watched you smile, and we wept. An entire nation weeps and rejoices with you at this moment. We are overjoyed to see you smiling and finally reunited with your wonderful families. We pray that you find strength in your journey of healing and recovery, surrounded by endless love and support. "With bitter tears and a joyful heart" — at this moment, our hearts are with the Bibas, Yehud, and Berger families, and with all the anxious and worried families whose loved ones have not yet returned.
"We will not rest until we bring back all our sisters and brothers from the hell of captivity in Gaza – the living to their loving families, and the fallen and murdered to be laid to rest in dignity."
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