An emotional gathering of returned hostages and recovering wounded soldiers at Israel's Rabin Medical Center marked Israel's Independence day on a sober yet hopeful note.

Returned hostages Avinatan Or, Alon Ohel, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal - all of whom were treated at Rabin Medical Center upon their release from captivity - came back to the hospital to meet with current wounded soldiers. It was the first time they had returned to Rabin Medical Center since being released home.

These soldiers had been part of a mission to find these very hostages in Gaza when they were wounded. The reunion was a powerful statement of hope and resilience.

One soldier told them:
“For two years, when we were reservists in Gaza; our main mission was to locate you in the tunnels. Sitting here with you now is the real victory.”