A freed Israeli hostage says she drew “hope and strength” from other captives while she was being held by Hamas in Gaza.

Soldiers disrupted a Jerusalem gathering to mark the early release of an imprisoned Palestinian, arresting his brother and roughing up his father. A Times reporter conducting interviews was also assaulted.

Naama Levy, one of the four IDF soldiers released from Hamas captivity on Saturday, writes a message of gratitude in her first statement since arriving home.

"I’m safe and protected, surrounded by family and friends, and feeling better with each passing day," Levy wrote.