Netanyahu: ‘An incredibly moving day, the whole nation embraces you’

Amy Spiro is a reporter and writer with The Times of Israel

Supporters and relatives of hostages held captive in the Gaza Strip since the October 7, 2023 attacks Hamas react while watching a live television broadcast on their release at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, on January 19, 2025.  (Photo by Menahem Kahana / AFP)
Supporters and relatives of hostages held captive in the Gaza Strip since the October 7, 2023 attacks Hamas react while watching a live television broadcast on their release at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, on January 19, 2025. (Photo by Menahem Kahana / AFP)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the return of Romi, Emily and Doron to Israel from Hamas captivity is “an incredibly moving day.”

In a conversation with Gal Hirsch, the government point person for the return of the hostages, Netanyahu says that the three civilian women are “the first hostages that we are bringing home in this round.”

He asks Hirsch to tell them that “the whole nation is embracing you, welcome home.”

“I know, we all know, that they went through hell, they are going from darkness to light, they are truly exiting slavery for freedom,” Netanyahu adds. “This moment was achieved through the sacrifice and bravery of our heroic fighters… this is a big moment, an emotional moment. A big day.”

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