Hamas frees 4 female Israeli soldiers as part of the Gaza ceasefire in exchange for 200 prisoners

We all have daughters the same age serving in the military,

said Alona, 51

I was amazed by their mental strength. Strong women who survived days of hell and the light in their eyes did not go out,

the hospital director said

I don’t like the way [the handover] was done, but after 7 October, nothing surprises me anymore,

said Ella, 52, from Holon, near Tel Aviv

They could have been any one of us, that’s why we feel this so deeply. It is bittersweet because now we have to keep fighting for the others,

she added

My family can’t be brought back, but we must keep fighting. That is my job now,

she said, sitting on the steps in the square and stroking a dog wrapped in the Israeli flag

It’s an incredible moment, I am so happy,

said Gali Cohen, 28, a member of a group of about 1,000 former and serving tatzpitaniyot, or “spotters”, who came together to support the women’s families and campaign for a hostage release deal

What I’ve learned in the last year is that happiness and sadness don’t cancel each other out. They co-exist,

she said

I survived for you my life."

Emily beamed with joy as she hugged her mum and said

I have friends in Palestine,

She had just begun her military service when the attack took place and as she was pushed into the jeep, she pleaded ... footage released of her capture showed

The feeling of relief and happiness envelops us after 477 long and unbearable days of nerve-wracking waiting.

Elbag's family said of her release

Our Daniela Noushi survived 477 days in hell in Gaza and how she has returned to a family embrace with us!

In a statement on X, Gilboa's family said

She dreams of becoming a psychologist and is known for being compassionate and for bringing people together,

the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said

Family and friends describe her as gentle and quiet, yet full of light, joy, strength and determination,

the Forum said

She loves travelling, singing, photography and cooking,

Israeli campaign group the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement

Our brothers died because of you, we will shoot you all,

a Hamas fighter screamed at the terrified girls

Hamas is a murderous terror group. In the last few hours Hamas proved its cruelty by organizing a cynical ceremony."

He said

Hamas did not abide by its obligation in the deal to free civilian women first,

he said in a televised statement on Saturday

Not knowing, I can't start any kind of healing, I can't start recovering - I'm stuck,

she said, clutching a special recreation of the pink elephant toy that features in Kfir's most famous picture

Yes! Yes! Yes! Liri the hero,

Albag’s friends told Israeli outlet Ynet

I have no words to describe the feelings now to see Naama back on her feet along with three other amazing, heroic girls,

they said