How the Hostages Humiliated Hamas 

All four women - Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, and Daniella Gilboa - were serving as lookouts at Nahal Oz base when they were kidnapped. Their coordinated show of strength during what Hamas planned as a humiliation ceremony forced their captors to abandon their propaganda plans.

The scene captured in central Gaza shows a striking image: masked terrorists trying to project power while their former captives stood tall, unbowed after months of captivity, their uncovered faces and victory gestures stealing the show from their would-be propagandists.

"They had to shut it down," Eli Albag added, describing how Hamas fighters rushed to end the ceremony when it became clear the women had seized control of the narrative. Their acts of resistance - from victory signs to proud smiles - transformed what Hamas intended as a show of force into a demonstration of Israeli resilience, demonstrating that even after months in captivity, their spirit remained unbroken.

Maariv contributed to this article.