Four young Israeli women were reunited with their families on Saturday after being held hostage for 477 days following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy, all aged 19-20, were released as part of a ceasefire agreement that also saw 200 Palestinian prisoners freed.
The women were part of an all-female observation unit stationed at the Nahal Oz military base near the Gaza border when they were initially captured. Their release was emotionally charged, with families celebrating their return while acknowledging the ongoing plight of other hostages.
Crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, watching live as the women were handed over in Gaza City’s Palestine Square. Flanked by masked Hamas militants, they were transferred via Red Cross vehicles and subsequently brought to Beilinson Hospital for medical evaluation.
Dr. Lena Koren Feldman, the hospital’s director, reported the women were in stable condition and would undergo comprehensive medical and emotional assessments.
The release marks the second group of hostages freed under the negotiated ceasefire. However, some complications remain. Israel had expected civilian hostage Arbel Yehud to be included, accusing Hamas of breaching the agreement. Hamas stated she would be released the following weekend.
One woman from the original unit, Agam Berger, remains in Gaza. Her family expressed joy for the returned soldiers while eagerly awaiting her potential release.
For families of those who died during the initial attack, the moment was bittersweet. Elad Levy, whose niece Roni Eshel was killed, emphasized the mixed emotions: celebrating the returned soldiers while remembering those lost and other hostages still in captivity.
About the author
Trump Strikes Iran After Israeli Attack Kills 600 As Western Media Bias Exposed
On June 22, American warplanes entered Iranian airspace and dropped 14 bombs following Israeli military action that resulted in 600 Iranian casualties. US President Donald Trump, accompanied by his vice president and two secretaries, announced that "Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace." The attack occurred during Israel's 12-day military operation against Iran. Western media coverage during this period focused primarily on Israelis in bunkers rather than Iranian civilian casualties, including children affected by the conflict. This pattern extends to Gaza coverage over the past 20 months. Official counts report over 55,000 deaths, with some estimates suggesting higher numbers. Most hospitals and schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict. Human rights organizations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have declared Israel's actions constitute genocide, though most Western media outlets avoid using this […]
Funeral Home Owner Gets 20 Years For Hoarding Bodies And Fake Ashes Scam
A Colorado funeral home owner received a 20-year prison sentence for storing 191 decomposing bodies at his facility while providing families with fake ashes and defrauding federal COVID-19 relief programs. Jon Hallford, owner of Return to Nature Funeral Home, was sentenced Friday by US District Judge Nina Wang, who exceeded the prosecution's 15-year recommendation due to the extraordinary nature of his crimes and the emotional harm inflicted on families. "This is not an ordinary fraud case," Judge Wang stated while imposing the maximum 240-month sentence. The grim discovery occurred in 2023 when investigators responded to reports of an "abhorrent smell" emanating from the dilapidated building in Penrose, located 160 kilometers south of Denver. Inside the insect-infested facility, they found human remains stacked on top of each other, with some rooms so filled with bodies that entry was impossible. FBI agents […]
Trump Predicts Gaza Ceasefire Deal Within One Week
President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, stating he believes an agreement could be achieved within a week. Speaking to reporters Friday, Trump made the unexpected announcement after discussing the situation with unspecified parties involved in ceasefire efforts. "I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump said. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire," he added, without identifying his contacts. Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, noted that while Trump's comments would be "welcome news" to Gaza's population, she cautioned that "no negotiations at this moment happening anywhere in the region" are currently taking place. Odeh explained that ceasefire discussions have increased significantly following the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. However, she noted Israel's reluctance to discuss ending the war, with Netanyahu potentially facing […]
Iran Holds Massive State Funeral For 60 War Dead As Trump Threatens More Strikes
Iran conducted a state funeral for approximately 60 people killed during its recent 12-day conflict with Israel, including military commanders and nuclear scientists. Coffins draped in Iranian flags and bearing portraits of the deceased were displayed near Tehran's Enghelab Square, surrounded by large crowds of mourners. The conflict concluded with a ceasefire after the United States intervened by bombing key Iranian nuclear facilities. Crowds dressed in black chanted slogans, waved Iranian flags, and carried portraits of those killed. Authorities encouraged participation through media campaigns and provided free transportation, while government offices closed for the day. Among those buried was Mohammad Bagheri, Iran's highest-ranking military officer and chief of staff of the armed forces. Bagheri was interred alongside his wife and daughter, who died in an Israeli strike. Iranian authorities reported 627 total deaths in Iran, while Israeli officials stated 28 […]
Trump Claims Victory After Iran Strike And Multiple Foreign Policy Wins
Donald Trump began the week expressing frustration over Iran and Israel's fragile ceasefire situation, but concluded with celebratory White House appearances following several political victories. The president appeared triumphant during an extended news conference, highlighting his accomplishments across multiple fronts. Iran Strike and Ceasefire Achievement The US military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 21 preceded Trump's announcement of a "complete and total" ceasefire in what he called the "12-day war" between Israel and Iran. Initial developments proved challenging. Iran launched ballistic missiles at a US airbase in Qatar shortly before the ceasefire announcement, raising concerns about regional escalation. Both sides faced accusations of ceasefire violations, prompting Trump's heated response to reporters. Trump acknowledged he barely persuaded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt additional attacks on Iran. However, the ceasefire ultimately maintained stability, allowing Trump to claim success […]
Trump Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites After Two Day Deadline
Donald Trump has launched military strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities, marking a significant escalation in Middle East tensions just weeks after returning to the White House with promises of peace. The president announced the operation on social media before delivering a televised address from the White House, declaring the strikes a "spectacular success." Trump expressed hope the action would create conditions for lasting peace by eliminating Iran's nuclear weapon potential. Iran reported only minor damage to its heavily fortified Fordo nuclear site, though the full extent of damage remains unclear. Speaking alongside Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump warned Iran of future attacks that would be "far worse and a lot easier" if they refused to abandon their nuclear program. He indicated "many targets left" and promised continued action with […]
Related
US Cuts Tariffs on UK Cars and PlanesโBut Steel Industry Left Behind
Tariff reductions for UK automotive and aerospace sectors have taken effect following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's completion of negotiations for relief from US import duties. UK car manufacturers exporting to America now face a reduced 10% tariff quota, down from the previous 27.5%, while aerospace companies will see a 10% levy eliminated completely. Sir Keir described the agreement as a "historic trade deal" with the US, secured after President Donald Trump implemented import taxes as part of his "liberation day" tariffs affecting countries globally. The Prime Minister and US President finalized the sectoral agreement during the G7 summit, though steel tariffs remain at 25% instead of being reduced to zero as initially negotiated. Discussions continue regarding securing 0% tariffs on core UK steel products destined for US markets. Trump's executive order indicates the US seeks guarantees regarding UK steel […]
Teen Killer Faces Murder Trial After Fatal School Stabbing
A 15-year-old defendant is scheduled to stand trial for murder charges following the fatal stabbing of Harvey Willgoose, also 15, at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield on February 3. The accused teenager, whose identity remains protected by law, has entered a guilty plea to manslaughter charges but maintains innocence regarding the murder charge. The trial will commence Monday at Sheffield Crown Court. The defendant has also acknowledged possession of a bladed weapon in connection with the incident. Harvey Willgoose sustained fatal injuries after being stabbed through the heart during the February incident at the Sheffield school. The event generated widespread shock throughout Sheffield and across the country. The victim has been admitted guilty to possessing a bladed article as part of the charges. At Harvey's February funeral service, family and friends remembered him as a "social butterfly" who […]
Trump Strikes Iran After Israeli Attack Kills 600 As Western Media Bias Exposed
On June 22, American warplanes entered Iranian airspace and dropped 14 bombs following Israeli military action that resulted in 600 Iranian casualties. US President Donald Trump, accompanied by his vice president and two secretaries, announced that "Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace." The attack occurred during Israel's 12-day military operation against Iran. Western media coverage during this period focused primarily on Israelis in bunkers rather than Iranian civilian casualties, including children affected by the conflict. This pattern extends to Gaza coverage over the past 20 months. Official counts report over 55,000 deaths, with some estimates suggesting higher numbers. Most hospitals and schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict. Human rights organizations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have declared Israel's actions constitute genocide, though most Western media outlets avoid using this […]
Funeral Home Owner Gets 20 Years For Hoarding Bodies And Fake Ashes Scam
A Colorado funeral home owner received a 20-year prison sentence for storing 191 decomposing bodies at his facility while providing families with fake ashes and defrauding federal COVID-19 relief programs. Jon Hallford, owner of Return to Nature Funeral Home, was sentenced Friday by US District Judge Nina Wang, who exceeded the prosecution's 15-year recommendation due to the extraordinary nature of his crimes and the emotional harm inflicted on families. "This is not an ordinary fraud case," Judge Wang stated while imposing the maximum 240-month sentence. The grim discovery occurred in 2023 when investigators responded to reports of an "abhorrent smell" emanating from the dilapidated building in Penrose, located 160 kilometers south of Denver. Inside the insect-infested facility, they found human remains stacked on top of each other, with some rooms so filled with bodies that entry was impossible. FBI agents […]
Trump Predicts Gaza Ceasefire Deal Within One Week
President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, stating he believes an agreement could be achieved within a week. Speaking to reporters Friday, Trump made the unexpected announcement after discussing the situation with unspecified parties involved in ceasefire efforts. "I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump said. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire," he added, without identifying his contacts. Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, noted that while Trump's comments would be "welcome news" to Gaza's population, she cautioned that "no negotiations at this moment happening anywhere in the region" are currently taking place. Odeh explained that ceasefire discussions have increased significantly following the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. However, she noted Israel's reluctance to discuss ending the war, with Netanyahu potentially facing […]
Iran Holds Massive State Funeral For 60 War Dead As Trump Threatens More Strikes
Iran conducted a state funeral for approximately 60 people killed during its recent 12-day conflict with Israel, including military commanders and nuclear scientists. Coffins draped in Iranian flags and bearing portraits of the deceased were displayed near Tehran's Enghelab Square, surrounded by large crowds of mourners. The conflict concluded with a ceasefire after the United States intervened by bombing key Iranian nuclear facilities. Crowds dressed in black chanted slogans, waved Iranian flags, and carried portraits of those killed. Authorities encouraged participation through media campaigns and provided free transportation, while government offices closed for the day. Among those buried was Mohammad Bagheri, Iran's highest-ranking military officer and chief of staff of the armed forces. Bagheri was interred alongside his wife and daughter, who died in an Israeli strike. Iranian authorities reported 627 total deaths in Iran, while Israeli officials stated 28 […]
Be the first to leave a comment