Previously kidnapped IDF observers urge the public to “do everything” for hostage release
After the ceasefire negotiations ended, the formerly kidnapped IDF observer pushed for a deal to bring the rest of the prisoners home.
The former captive called on the Israeli government to take the rest of the hostages home in a statement Friday after a ceasefire with Hamas and hostage negotiations stalled again.
Israeli and U.S. negotiators left Doha on Thursday after a special U.S. envoy traveled to Steve Witkoff in the Middle East, accusing Hamas of not wanting to enter the ceasefire.
The former Hamas hostages addressed the developments in a statement Friday and worked to resume talks.
“It’s been six months since I’ve been home. Do you know how much you can do in six months?” said Daniella Gilboa, the former hostage. “I never thought about how much life you could live in half a year. But I also know that it feels like sitting for six months and it feels like a thousand times a lifetime – not knowing what you do in life, wondering if anyone remembers you, or if anyone is doing anything to get you away.
It’s heartbreaking to say again, but it has to be taken home. I know exactly how it feels to be there. Feel three times longer every day. This is unbearable. They need to go home now. ”
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi met with release IDF observers Naama Levy, Agam Berger, Liri Albag and Karina Ariev on February 14, 2025.
Kidnapping IDF observers push hostage deal
Previous hostage Liri Albag said she prayed for those who are still waiting to go home.
“It’s been 182 days since I’m home. Half a year since the last deal, there are 50 hostages waiting, and like I’ve ever waited, this deal is going to pass,” Albag said.
“I’m begging you – now there are rumors that the deal has collapsed, and I’m begging: do everything. Fight. We, the hostages, will not get back to normal life until everyone comes back.”
Previous hostage Karina Ariev urged the public to continue fighting to release the rest of the hostages.
“A sign of six months since I came home, I still can’t fully grasp my position, where the other hostages are. They are still there. The soldiers are still fighting.
“I asked-please, let’s not forget. Let’s continue fighting until each of them is at home.”
Previous hostages Naama Levy said all hostages should be reunited with their families.
“Today, I’ve been home for six months. It’s incredibly half a year since the happiest day of my life, and my family has passed after 477 days of imprisonment in Hamas.”
“Now, we hear again that the deal is collapsing. It’s totally unthinkable that there are 50 hostages still in Gaza, waiting to be reunited with their families. Still underground. No rights, no freedom. No freedom.
Everything has to be done to take them home. They deserve the day, too. They have to go home now. ”
