TEL AVIV, Israel — Four female Israeli soldiers who had been captured in the attack that initiated the ongoing conflict in Gaza returned home to Israel on Saturday after being paraded by Hamas militants in Gaza City. They were transferred to the Red Cross, following a ceremony before a crowd of thousands. In a related move, Israel released 200 Palestinian prisoners as part of a tenuous ceasefire agreement.
On the day of their release, the four soldiers expressed joy, smiling and giving thumbs-up gestures from a stage in Palestine Square, flanked by armed and masked militants. This was a calculated move by Hamas to project strength and authority in Gaza, which has been engulfed in war for over a year. Although the hostages appeared to be enjoying their reunion with family and supporters, it is suspected they acted under duress, as previous hostages recounted suffering harsh conditions and being coerced into recording propaganda.
Israel’s Prison Service confirmed the release of 200 Palestinians, highlighting that many included individuals serving life sentences for lethal assaults against Israelis, along with others detained without formal charges. The event stirred celebrations among thousands in Ramallah, a city located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where the released soldiers were welcomed with enthusiasm. Some were dressed in gray prison attire and wore Hamas headbands handed out by the jubilant crowd.
However, the situation took a tense turn when Israel declared that it would not permit the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza by the expected Sunday timeline. This decision was linked to the lack of release of civilian hostage Arbel Yehoud, captivating further discussions among mediators. Hundreds of Palestinians convened near the Netzarim corridor, raising concerns as some expressed confusion and frustration over their treatment.
In ongoing tensions, Israeli forces reportedly shot and killed a Palestinian man in the vicinity of the corridor. The Israeli military stated that warning shots were fired in response to gatherings believed to involve suspicious individuals, but they claimed they were unaware of any casualties.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office emphasized that Palestinians would not be permitted entry to northern Gaza until the release of Arbel Yehoud, who was abducted during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Hamas has warned that any delays in the execution of the agreement and its repercussions fall on Israel. A high-ranking Hamas official mentioned that Yehoud is expected to be released in the coming week, with an Egyptian intermediary describing the situation as a “minor issue” being worked out, though they spoke on the condition of confidentiality.
The ceasefire, initiated last weekend, allowed for the release of three hostages and 90 prisoners and aims to culminate the most brutal war waged between Israel and Hamas. It has opened the door for increased humanitarian aid to the devastated region of Gaza.
The four soldiers — Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag — all in their twenties, were abducted from the Nahal Oz military base during an attack that killed over 60 soldiers. Upon their return, they were met with emotional reunions from their families and supporters, after being airlifted to a hospital in Tel Aviv where they were reported to be in stable condition.
Emotions ran high as Israelis gathered in Hostages Square, expressing hope for an end to the ongoing conflict. Many also expressed concern for another female soldier from the same unit, Agam Berger, who remains captive.
In Gaza City, local resident Radwan Abu Rawiya pondered the significance of the hostage transfer. A video released by Hamas showed the hostages thanking their captors for the “good treatment” they received, which many observers believe was coerced.
Israel’s military spokesman condemned Hamas for what he called their “cynical” presentation of the transfer and highlighted ongoing concerns over the welfare of younger hostages, particularly Kfir Bibas, who recently celebrated his second birthday while in captivity. Among the Palestinians released were individuals like Mohammad Odeh and Wael Qassim, connected to past attacks, prompting fears among family members of those long imprisoned.
Seventy of the released prisoners were expelled to Egypt, with several other countries expressing willingness to accept them. Looking ahead, 26 more hostages are anticipated to be released in the planned exchanges during the six-week first phase of the ceasefire, with many hoping this step will help to end a conflict that has caused immense displacement and suffering in Gaza.
The conflict, ignited by the attack on October 7, has claimed the lives of roughly 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taken approximately 250 hostages. Just over 100 were freed during a brief truce that followed. Reports indicate that over 47,000 Palestinians have perished due to the war, with health officials noting that a significant portion of this number consists of women and children.
As the ceasefire developments unfold, the international community remains closely monitoring the situation in hopes of a lasting resolution to the ongoing war.
