Former hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher have arrived at an IDF base situated near the Gaza border, where they are reuniting with their mothers.

According to the IDF, the three individuals will first receive a preliminary medical evaluation at the base before being transferred to hospitals to reunite with the rest of their families.

As the release of Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher is celebrated, prominent Likud leaders emphasize that the ceasefire does not signify a retreat from Israel’s mission to dismantle Hamas.

“Romi, Doron, and Emily are home again. This is a moment of hope for an entire nation, which holds them and their families close in their hearts,” declares Defense Minister Israel Katz, while expressing his admiration for the security forces involved.

“The State of Israel will not rest or stay silent until every captive man and woman returns – the living to their loved ones and the deceased for proper burial.”

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi remarks, “Despite the unbearable images of the Nazis and terrorists, may their names be cursed, that were captured in Gaza, today is a day of joy and excitement as we welcome our loved ones back. We will persist in our efforts until terrorism is eradicated and every hostage is brought home, God willing.”

“We’ll be back soon,” Karhi writes in a post on social media, using both English and Arabic.

Emily Damari’s mother releases a heartfelt statement: “After 471 days, Emily is finally home. I am profoundly grateful to everyone who fought tirelessly for Emily during this horrific experience and who never stopped saying her name. From Israel to Britain, the United States, and across the globe. Thank you for bringing Emily home. Although Emily’s nightmare in Gaza has ended, too many families are still enduring an agonizing wait. Every hostage must be freed, and humanitarian aid must reach those still awaiting their return. We kindly ask the media to respect Emily’s and our family’s need for privacy at this time.”

{Matza.com Israel}