Day 6 of Hostage Releases: Reunions with Families and Pets
Emotional scenes as freed hostages are reunited with loved ones
Reunion at Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba
Videos and photos released on Thursday captured the emotional reunions of the 12 Israelis who were released from captivity in Gaza the previous night. These hostages, who were part of a temporary truce with Hamas, were being treated at various hospitals in Israel. At Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, siblings Maya and Itay Regev were reunited after being released separately.
Itay, 18, received a warm welcome from his mother Mirit at Hatzerim Airbase. The siblings were kidnapped from a music festival in October where several people were killed. Despite the difficulties they faced during their captivity, Itay's brother stated that Yarden is still the same person they knew. The reunion brought a sense of joy and relief to their family.
Reunion with Mother and Daughter
Gali Tarshansky, 13, was the youngest hostage released on Wednesday. In a heartwarming video, Gali is seen running towards her mother Reuma Aroussi and embracing her tightly. Gali's father, Ilya, survived the ordeal, but her brother Lior was tragically killed. Reuma Aroussi has been a prominent figure in the efforts to bring the hostages back home. Gali was also photographed with her father as they flew from Hatzerim to Schneider Children's Hospital.
Yarden Roman-Gat, another released hostage, spent a significant portion of her time in captivity unsure of the well-being of her daughter and husband. It was only by chance, while listening to the radio, that she learned they were alive. This news provided her with strength and hope during her captivity. The reunion between Yarden and her family was emotional and filled with love.
Other Reunions and Hospital Care
Raaya Rotem, 54, was reunited with her daughter Hila at Sheba in Ramat Gan. Hila had been released a few days earlier, causing concern as it went against the agreement between Israel and Hamas not to separate mothers and children in the releases. Several other families were also reunited, including Moran Stela Yanai, who was able to embrace her family and pet dog after her release from captivity. The hostages who were brought to Sheba and other hospitals will undergo medical and psychological evaluations to ensure they receive the necessary care.
In total, 97 civilians were released from Hamas captivity as part of a temporary ceasefire agreement. However, there are still 145 hostages, including 15 women and children, who remain in Gaza. Israel is urging Hamas to release all remaining civilian hostages before considering additional agreements.
