The four Israeli women who were released today, after 15 months in captivity in Gaza Strip are “in stable condition,” the hospital to which they were taken, near Tel Aviv, said after they underwent initial medical examinations.

“I am pleased to tell you that their state of health is stable,” Dr. Lena Koren Feldman, deputy director of the Rabin Medical Center, told reporters. “As one would expect, their prolonged detention under difficult conditions is evident,” the doctor added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu welcomed the return of the four women, who were abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023. “It is a very joyful moment, which we have been waiting for for a long time,” Netanyahu said, speaking by phone to the parents of one of the former hostages, Liri Albag.

At the same time, the White House said the US would continue its efforts, in cooperation with Israel, “to free all hostages” still being held in Gaza. Welcoming the release of the four women, the US administration added that its goal is “peace throughout the region.”