Father of freed hostage vows Israel will “settle accounts” with critic

Petah Tikva, Israel – January 26, 2025 – The father of freed hostage Liri Albag, Eli Albag, voiced deep gratitude towards Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and those in the coalition and opposition who supported the recent hostage-ceasefire deal but strongly criticized the deal’s opponents.

Speaking to the press at Rabin Medical Center on Sunday, Albag’s words reflected the immense emotional toll endured by families of the hostages held by Hamas during the 16-month hostage crisis.

Alongside other families of the freed hostages—Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, and Daniella Gilboa—Albag thanked the citizens of Israel, the Israeli government, and international figures for their tireless efforts in securing the release of their loved ones.

He emphasized, however, that his mission was not over until all hostages were returned. “Don’t rest and don’t be silent until the last of the hostages comes home,” he implored, his voice filled with raw emotion.

Albag’s remarks took a sharp turn when he called out those who voted against the hostage-deal, particularly targeting far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and former National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Smotrich had voted against the deal, while Ben Gvir had quit the government to protest it.

Albag did not hold back, saying, “The people will settle accounts with you. When you saw my daughter and the three other surveillance soldiers emerge, smiling and proud, where were you? When the whole of the nation stood and rejoiced?” His strong words painted a vivid contrast between those who supported the deal and those who opposed it.

Albag also expressed heartfelt thanks to key international figures involved in the negotiations, including former US Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump, as well as Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. “My heart is with those who supported the deal,” he said. “Stick with the deal until the end.”

The press conference, which took place at Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva, saw emotional reunions and words of gratitude from all the freed hostages’ families. Their statements provided insight into the mental and emotional toll that more than a year of hostage negotiations had taken on them.

Orly Gilboa, the mother of Daniella Gilboa, also delivered a touching message during the press conference. Expressing her gratitude to the Israeli people, world Jewry, and the American negotiators, she remarked on the psychological burden her family had carried when an image circulated suggesting Daniella might have died in captivity.

“You believed with us that Daniella was okay,” she said, referring to the cruel mind games Hamas played, circulating an image of a dead hostage with a tattoo identical to Daniella’s.

The emotional gravity of the situation was evident as each family member reiterated their gratitude for the support they received throughout the long period of uncertainty and hardship.

Sasha Ariev, the sister of Karina Ariev, particularly praised Steve Witkoff for his dedication. “You are a truly remarkable person,” she said, speaking in English. “Your care and compassion have been felt in every step of this journey, as if we were all your own children.”

Despite the joy of the moment, the families’ calls for continued efforts to bring all hostages home underscored the ongoing struggle. Sasha Ariev, Karina’s older sister, pointed out the importance of continuing the fight for the release of those still in captivity.

“We are waiting for Agam, Arbel, Shiri, and all the rest of the hostages,” she stated. Agam Berger, the fifth surveillance soldier, was notably absent from the list of those released on Saturday, as were Arbel Yehud and Shiri Bibas, two civilians who were also meant to be released during the early stages of the deal.

The release of the four hostages on January 25, 2025, marked a significant, albeit incomplete, milestone in the ongoing hostage negotiations with Hamas. While the families of the four women expressed their deep relief and joy at the return of their loved ones, their statements also reflected the understanding that the battle was far from over.

Yoni Levy, the father of Naama Levy, another freed hostage, voiced the collective resolve of the families. “There are still 90 hostages we must bring home,” he said, emphasizing the collective responsibility that Israelis feel toward those still held in captivity.

“They are our sons and daughters. The foundations upon which our country is built. And we will have no healing. And we will have no revival. Without the self-evident knowledge that the State of Israel is the father and mother of each of us.”

Albag also acknowledged the sacrifice of those who had fallen while defending Israel, particularly the 54 soldiers who lost their lives during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on the Nahal Oz base.

“It is thanks to you that my Liri and all the hostages are coming home,” he said, before concluding his statement by thanking his family, including his wife Shira and his daughter Liri. “I’m leaving you,” Albag said tearfully, “and going to hug her.”

Throughout the press conference, the families made heart signs with their hands, a symbolic gesture to show their love and appreciation. Liri Albag, whose return marked the culmination of this stage of the hostage release process, had made a similar gesture on the IDF helicopter as she returned to Israel.

The image of the heart-shaped signs encapsulated the deep emotional journey the families had gone through over the past 16 months.

Despite the immense relief of seeing their loved ones return, the families remained resolute in their call for the completion of the hostage deal.

“The work is not done,” Eli Albag stressed, pointing out that the struggle to bring all hostages home must continue. “We can’t smile until the last one comes home.”

In addition to the deep personal losses, Albag’s words hinted at a broader sense of national unity and a call for accountability.

His words reflect not only the grief and anguish of the families but also the intensity of the ongoing political and diplomatic struggle surrounding the release of hostages held by Hamas.

As the negotiations continue, the emotional toll on the families of the hostages, and the Israeli public as a whole, remains deeply felt.