TEL AVIV, Israel — On Friday, Hamas announced its decision to release four female soldiers who have been held captive in Gaza for the past 15 months. This action is part of a larger agreement with Israel that includes the swap of dozens of Palestinian prisoners alongside a ceasefire. An advocacy group monitoring the situation confirmed the names of the Israeli soldiers scheduled for release on Saturday.
According to the terms of the ceasefire, Israel is set to release 200 Palestinian prisoners as a condition for the return of the four Israeli women. Among those being freed are 120 individuals who are classified as militants, having been sentenced to life in prison for involvement in fatal attacks.
The four soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—were all taken during Hamas’s assault on October 7, 2023, an incident that reignited conflict in the region. Since their capture, they have remained cut off from all outside communication.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a statement celebrating the anticipated release of these women. “An entire nation has fought for them and anxiously awaits their longed-for return to their families’ embrace,” the statement said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed it had received the names of hostages slated for release, although it did not disclose their identities. Families of other hostages still held in Gaza urged the Prime Minister to ensure the safe return of all captives and appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump for support.
Details about the female hostages indicate they were taken from Nahal Oz military base, where they were stationed. This base fell to Palestinian militants during the aforementioned attack, resulting in the deaths of over 60 soldiers. The four soldiers were serving in a lookout unit responsible for monitoring threats along the Gaza border. Notably, a fifth soldier from their unit, Agam Berger, was also abducted but is not included in the current release agreement.
Just before her abduction, Ariev sent a message to her family, expressing love and urging them to take care of each other. Her family described her as an individual with a passion for cooking, singing, dancing, and poetry. During an earlier release, Hamas showed a video of her alongside Gilboa, both of whom appealed for their freedom.
Gilboa, who had a foot injury during her kidnapping, has always dreamed of pursuing a career in music. Her name was officially changed from Danielle to Daniella following her capture due to a Jewish tradition that links name changes to shifts in fortune.
In footage from the day of their capture, Levy was seen wearing soiled sweatpants while being taken away, despite previously participating in U.S.-based programs aimed at promoting coexistence. Albag, the youngest among the group, was shown in a recent video released by Hamas, with her family expressing deep concern for her mental well-being.
As the fragile six-week ceasefire progressed, over 90 hostages were still known to be held by Hamas. Israeli authorities suspect that a significant number of these individuals may have died, though Hamas has not provided clear information on the well-being or status of the remaining captives.
Initially, militants took around 250 hostages during their October assault, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities. Since then, about 100 have been released, while various military operations have resulted in the recovery of around three dozen deceased hostages. Also, eight hostages have been successfully rescued by the Israeli military.
The first part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement will see a gradual release of 33 hostages, including women, children, and ill individuals, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees. Most of those being freed are civilians, with a commitment to also release all surviving female soldiers within this period, which is scheduled to last for 42 days.
Should there be a lack of living hostages meeting the criteria, Hamas may opt to release deceased individuals instead. The initial trio of hostages were exchanged for 90 Palestinian prisoners on the very first day of the ceasefire, bringing hope and relief to many families while heightening concern for others still in captivity.
Families of still-missing hostages expressed mixed emotions upon witnessing the emotional reunions. Vicky Cohen, whose son remains in captivity, shared her sorrow over the ongoing uncertainty. Ayelet Samerano, another distraught parent, reached out to international figures for assistance in securing the release of the remaining hostages, recalling past comments from President Trump that hinted at severe consequences if hostages were not freed.
As the agreement unfolds in Gaza, Israel is anticipated to release the names of the Palestinian prisoners who will gain their freedom. The Israeli Prison Service stated it is preparing to proceed with releasing imprisoned individuals in compliance with the arrangement. Transportation for released prisoners will be coordinated by the Red Cross.
The truce also entails that Israeli forces must withdraw partially from various regions in central Gaza, facilitating the return of many displaced Palestinians to their homes in the war-torn north. Those from the south have been enabled to make their way northward along a coastal route.
Meanwhile, residents in other affected areas of Gaza have begun searching for family members as they navigate the rubble of their former lives. Despite the destruction, many express a strong desire to return home and reconnect with loved ones.
The ongoing conflict has led to tremendous loss, with reports estimating over 47,000 Palestinians dead, a figure that includes countless civilians. The devastation has left behind a landscape of ruins and shattered lives, as families aspire to reclaim what remains of their existence amidst the turmoil.
