Hamas to Release Four Female Israeli Soldiers in Hostage Exchange
Hamas announced Friday it would release four female Israeli soldiers held hostage in Gaza for 15 months. This move is part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, which involves the exchange of dozens of Palestinian prisoners. An advocacy group representing hostage families confirmed that the captives would be freed on Saturday.
Prisoner Exchange Details
Under the agreement, Israel will release 200 Palestinian detainees, including 120 militants serving life sentences for deadly attacks. This is in exchange for the release of the four soldiers.
The captives — Karina Ariev, 20; Daniella Gilboa, 20; Naama Levy, 20; and Liri Albag, 19 — were taken during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on the Nahal Oz base near the Gaza border. That attack, which killed more than 60 soldiers, marked the beginning of the conflict. The women have had no contact with the outside world since their abduction.
A Nation Awaits Their Return
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the announcement, stating, “An entire nation has fought for them and anxiously awaits their longed-for return to their families’ embrace.” The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also confirmed the list of hostages to be released, though names were not disclosed publicly.
Relatives of remaining hostages have urged Netanyahu to prioritize their release as well. They also appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump for support in ensuring the safe return of all captives.
The Soldiers’ Stories
The four soldiers served in a border monitoring unit. A fifth soldier from their group, Agam Berger, 20, was also abducted but is not included in the release list.
Karina Ariev, one of the captives, texted her family during her abduction, writing, “If I don’t live, take care of Mom and Dad all their lives. Don’t give up. Live.” Her family described her as a creative individual who loves to cook, sing, dance, and write poetry.
Daniella Gilboa, initially named Danielle, had her name changed by her parents following her abduction, a practice rooted in Jewish tradition to alter one’s fortune. She dreams of becoming a professional singer.
Naama Levy, a triathlete and former participant in the U.S.-based “Hands of Peace” program, was seen in global footage wearing blood-stained clothing as she was taken hostage.
Liri Albag, the youngest of the group, appeared in a Hamas-released video earlier this month, visibly distressed. Her family said the footage highlighted her “severe psychological trauma.”
Ceasefire and Continued Tensions
The fragile ceasefire, now in its sixth day, has temporarily paused the longest and deadliest war in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Approximately 90 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israeli authorities estimating that up to half of them may have died.
Hamas has not provided clear information on the number of living hostages or the names of those who have died. The ceasefire deal’s first phase includes the release of 33 hostages, with Hamas prioritizing the living.
Scenes of Relief Amid Devastation
As the exchange begins, scenes of hostages reuniting with their families have brought hope and heartbreak. Vicky Cohen, whose son remains in captivity, said, “Our hearts break thinking about the hostages still there. Each day poses a real danger to their lives.”
By the weekend, Israeli forces are expected to withdraw partially from central Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes. In Gaza City, widespread devastation has left tens of thousands of civilians living in makeshift shelters.
A Community in Ruins
In Deir al-Balah, many displaced Palestinians prepared to return north. “The first thing I’ll do is kiss the dirt of the land where I was born,” said Nadia Al-Debs. She has lived in a tent since the war began and hopes her children will reunite with their father once home.
The war has left vast areas of Gaza destroyed and claimed over 47,000 Palestinian lives, according to local health authorities. More than half of the casualties are reported to be women and children, though exact numbers remain contested.
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