Daniella Gilboa, surveillance soldier kidnapped on Oct. 7, released from Gaza
Gilboa was initially identified by her family in a Hamas social media video, after her abduction from the Nahal Oz IDF base; freed in mediated ceasefire on Jan. 25, 2025
On January 25, 2025, Daniella Gilboa, 20, was released from Hamas captivity in Gaza as part of phase one of a mediated ceasefire-hostage release deal. She was handed over to the Red Cross, who delivered her to IDF soldiers who escorted her and three other female soldiers into Israel. Below is what we initially knew of her capture:
Daniella Gilboa, then 19, was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7 from the IDF surveillance unit at the Nahal Oz army base.
Gilboa was in touch with her family on the morning of the attack.
She also sent her boyfriend videos that morning, which showed what she was wearing that day.
When Hamas videos appeared later that day, showing three of Gilboa’s friends being taken hostage to Gaza, Gilboa’s family was able to identify her by the shirt she was wearing and which they recognized, and a small, hidden ponytail on her head.
The army later confirmed that Gilboa was taken hostage to Gaza.
“I picture her walking in the door and coming home,” said her mother, Orly, in multiple interviews.
