Hamas has just released the names of four female Israeli hostages set for release this Saturday. However, Israel has requested that the names not be publicly disclosed until their families are notified, reports The Times of Israel. This move has raised concerns, as it appears to breach the ceasefire agreement.
Violation of ceasefire agreement?
The ceasefire deal outlines the release of female hostages first, followed by soldiers. The four women named by Hamas are civilians, with names like Arbel Yehud (29) and Shiri Silberman Bibas (33). There are still seven female hostages in total, including soldiers such as Liri Albag (19) and Naama Levy (20).
This publication of names is a sensitive issue, as the deal remains in flux. Israeli officials have not yet confirmed the release. But sources say it is expected to happen tomorrow in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.
Families plead for full release of hostages
The release of these four hostages is a key development in the fragile six-week ceasefire. The first wave of hostages was released in return for Palestinian prisoners. Now more families are holding their breath as they await news of additional hostages’ fates. As many as 90 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with the hope that this release is just the beginning.
Many families are desperate. Ayelet Samerano, whose son Yonatan is among the hostages still held, pleaded with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump to continue pressing for the release of all 94 hostages. She thanked President Trump for his efforts but warned that much more must be done to bring everyone home.
Ceasefire brings brief respite to Gaza
The current ceasefire, which began with the release of 33 hostages, has paused the fighting that ravaged Gaza for 15 months. With over 47,000 Palestinians reported dead, the damage to Gaza is enormous. Families displaced by the conflict are trying to return to their homes. But many face difficult conditions as the ceasefire gives way to uncertainty.
The hostages’ release is part of an exchange involving Palestinian prisoners. In addition to the four women being freed tomorrow, there is anticipation over the next batch of releases, set to be announced soon. Hostages were taken during a brutal raid on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants crossed into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and sparking the devastating conflict.
Fears for remaining hostages
Though this ceasefire has resulted in the release of some hostages, there is still widespread fear that many may not make it home. Over a third of the hostages are feared dead, though Hamas has not released concrete details about their status. Many are holding on to hope that this deal will ultimately lead to the return of all captives.
Amid this, Israeli officials are grappling with how to balance the ongoing ceasefire with their obligation to secure the return of their citizens. Vicky Cohen, mother of hostages Nimrod Cohen, expressed both hope and fear. “We were moved by the release of the mothers and daughters, but we can’t forget about the men,” she said. “The deal must be fully implemented, or they will die.”
Gaza civilians brace for uncertainty
The current deal, which will see more hostages released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, promises some reprieve for the civilians of Gaza. In exchange for hostages, Gaza civilians are being given more freedom of movement. By Saturday, Israeli troops are expected to withdraw from key routes, allowing the movement of people and goods in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
But for those who have been displaced by the violence, the situation is complicated. While some are beginning to return home, others, like Nadia Al-Debs and Nafouz al-Rabai, fear they will find only ruins when they arrive. Al-Debs, preparing to return to Gaza City, shared her hopes for reuniting with family but also acknowledged the pain of returning to destruction. “We’ll return so my children can see their father,” she said.
Bittersweet returns for Gaza families
In Deir al-Balah, displaced people like al-Rabai are waiting for the chance to see what remains of their homes. Despite the hope of reunion, the overwhelming sense of loss is evident. “It’s a very bad life,” al-Rabai said.
For those waiting for loved ones to return, the uncertainty remains unbearable. As the hostage exchange continues, all eyes are on the next steps, hoping that the fragile ceasefire holds long enough to bring home all the captives.
