Four young women who served as military spotters for Israel’s army are finally back home after being held captive in Gaza for over 15 months. These women were part of a group stationed near the border, tasked with monitoring suspicious activity across the fence. Tragically, during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, 15 of their fellow spotters were killed, and seven were taken hostage.

The four women—Naama Levy, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Liri Albag—were released on Saturday as part of a cease-fire agreement that also involves the release of Palestinian prisoners. Another spotter, Agam Berger, is expected to be freed soon.

The spotters, all in their late teens or early twenties, were unarmed when Hamas militants overran their base, Nahal Oz, just half a mile from the Gaza border. Some were still in their pajamas when the attack began, and others were injured before being taken into Gaza. Pvt. Ori Megidish, another spotter, was rescued by Israeli forces three weeks after the attack, while Cpl. Noa Marciano tragically lost her life during her captivity.

The return of these young women brings a bittersweet moment of relief amid the ongoing conflict. Their release, part of a broader cease-fire deal, highlights the complex and painful realities faced by both sides in this long-standing crisis. As families reunite, questions about the future of the region and the ongoing tensions remain unresolved.

For now, the focus remains on healing and rebuilding as these brave women begin their journey to recovery after an unimaginable ordeal.