Avigail Idan, an Israeli-American four-year-old, was among the 17 captives freed by Hamas on Sunday (Nov 26). Avigail, who turned four while in captivity, was kidnapped during the October 7 Hamas raid in southern Israel and lost both of her parents during the onslaught.
Avigail’s family was overjoyed and grateful for her safe return. They expressed gratitude to US President Joe Biden, the Qatari authorities, and everyone who helped secure her release. Despite this relief, the family is still fighting for the freedom of the remaining hostages.
“There are no words to express our relief and gratitude that Avigail is safe and coming home,” said Liz Hirsh Naftali, Avigail’s great aunt, and Noa Naftali, her cousin, in a statement, as reported by the BBC.
Biden’s words
President Biden described Avigail’s ordeal as “terrible trauma,” adding that what she faced was “unthinkable.”
He attributed the recent hostage releases to “intensive US diplomacy” and expressed optimism about further releases in the coming days.
14 of the 17 captives freed were Israelis, including nine children. The captives who were kidnapped during the October incident endured a terrifying ordeal. Members of the Brodutch family were released, including small children such as four-year-old Oria, eight-year-old Yuval, and ten-year-old Ofri.
Families greeted their loved ones with mixed feelings, as excitement for those who had returned was tempered by regret for those who remained imprisoned. Chen Almog-Goldstein and her children, who had been kidnapped from Kfar Aza, had this heartbreaking reunion. Dafna and Ela Elyakim, sisters whose capture was livestreamed by the attackers, have also returned.
Peace treaty and prisoner swap
The release of the hostages is part of a four-day truce between Hamas and Israel. During this time period, 54 hostages and 117 Palestinian detainees were liberated.
The broader background includes Hamas’ October onslaught, which claimed 1,200 fatalities, as well as nearly 14,500 casualties in Israel’s subsequent retaliatory campaign. The cease-fire is the third day of a three-day cease-fire in Gaza.
While some captives are being released, the situation is still complicated. Elma Avraham, an elderly hostage, was evacuated to a hospital in critical condition, underscoring the physical toll of the ordeal. Despite their relief, the families will need time to recover as they adjust to their new and difficult circumstances.