The IDF releases video footage of recently-released hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami being helicoptered from a military base near the Gaza border to hospitals in central Israel, a short while after they were freed from Hamas captivity.
Ben Ami is seen shaking hands with IDF officers, accompanied by his wife Raz, who was also kidnapped on October 7, 2023, and released in a week-long truce in November that year.
“It’s a dream,” she says to him a short while later, on the helicopter, as the two kiss.
Released hostages Ohad and Raz Ben Ami are seen aboard a military helicopter en route to Ichilov hospital in Tel Aviv, shortly after the former was released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, February 8, 2025. (IDF)
Levy is seen taking a selfie with his brother Michael, who campaigned heavily for his release over the past 16 months.
Michael hands his brother a yellow wristband, symbolizing solidarity with the hostages. They hug.
Former hostage Or Levy (second from right) is seen aboard a military helicopter with his family, en route to Ichilov hospital in Tel Aviv, shortly after his release from Hamas captivity in Gaza, February 8, 2025. (IDF)
Sharabi is seen in the helicopter flanked by his mother Chana and sister Osnat, the three holding hands tightly.
He disembarks from the chopper at Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv, wrapped in an Israeli flag.
Former hostage Eli Sharabi (center) is seen aboard a military helicopter with his family, en route to Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv, shortly after his release from Hamas captivity in Gaza, February 8, 2025. (IDF)
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From the Liveblog of
Saturday, February 8, 2025
