Hamas to Release Four Israeli Female Soldiers \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Hamas is set to release four Israeli female soldiers held captive in Gaza for 15 months as part of a ceasefire agreement. In exchange, Israel will free 200 Palestinian prisoners. The exchange comes amid a fragile truce following one of the deadliest wars in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hamas Releases Israeli Soldiers: Quick Looks
- Hostages Released: Four Israeli female soldiers captured during Hamas’ October 2023 attack.
- Exchange Deal: Israel to release 200 Palestinian prisoners, including militants.
- Ceasefire Status: Part of a fragile truce halting a deadly 15-month conflict.
- Remaining Hostages: Over 90 hostages still held in Gaza, with many presumed dead.
- Civilians Displaced: Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to destroyed homes.
Deep Look
In a significant development, Hamas announced Friday that it would release four Israeli female soldiers held captive in Gaza for 15 months. This release is part of a delicate ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel that includes a high-profile prisoner exchange. The agreement offers a brief respite in a brutal 15-month-long conflict that has left thousands dead and displaced countless civilians.
The announcement has stirred relief and cautious optimism in Israel, where the return of hostages is a deeply emotional issue. At the same time, the exchange underscores the ongoing complexities and human toll of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Hostages: A Glimpse Into Their Lives
The four Israeli soldiers—Karina Ariev (20), Daniella Gilboa (20), Naama Levy (20), and Liri Albag (19)—were among those captured by Hamas on October 7, 2023, during a deadly raid on the Nahal Oz military base near the Gaza border. The attack, one of the most devastating in recent history, killed over 60 soldiers and marked the start of the war.
Karina Ariev, a passionate poet, singer, and cook, was seen in a Hamas-released video pleading for her freedom. As she was dragged into Gaza, she texted her family a farewell message:
“If I don’t live, take care of Mom and Dad all their lives. Don’t give up. Live.”
Daniella Gilboa, originally named Danielle, had her name changed by her parents after her abduction in line with a Jewish belief that changing a name can alter one’s fate. Videos of her abduction show her struggling with a foot injury as Hamas militants hurried her into a vehicle. She dreams of becoming a professional singer, a hope she held onto even during captivity.
Naama Levy, a triathlete and former participant in “Hands of Peace,” an organization promoting Israeli-Palestinian coexistence, appeared in videos wearing blood-stained clothing as she was taken from the Nahal Oz base. Her history of advocating for peace adds a poignant dimension to her story.
Liri Albag, the youngest at 19, appeared in a Hamas video earlier this month. Her family described her as showing signs of severe psychological distress.
Notably absent from the release list is Agam Berger, another soldier from the same unit, who remains among the hostages in Gaza.
The Prisoner Exchange Agreement
The release of these four women is part of a ceasefire agreement brokered to exchange hostages for prisoners. Under the deal, Israel has agreed to release 200 Palestinian prisoners or detainees, many of whom are militants convicted of carrying out deadly attacks. This group includes 120 prisoners serving life sentences.
This exchange is only one part of a broader ceasefire framework. The first phase involves Hamas gradually releasing 33 hostages over several days, in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The focus has been on women, children, the elderly, and those with medical needs.
The Israeli Prison Service has confirmed preparations for the prisoner release, stating that detainees will be transported by the Red Cross from Ofer Prison near Ramallah to various release points.
The Ceasefire Context and Its Fragility
The ceasefire agreement is tenuous at best. Now in its sixth day, the truce has paused a devastating war that erupted following Hamas’ October 7 attack. The conflict has killed over 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, as well as approximately 1,200 Israelis. It is one of the deadliest and most prolonged conflicts in the region’s modern history.
While the ceasefire has provided an opportunity for hostages to be released, it has also offered a reprieve for displaced Palestinians. By the weekend, Israeli forces were set to partially withdraw from a key route in central Gaza, allowing displaced civilians to return to the war-ravaged northern regions.
For many Palestinians, this represents a bittersweet homecoming. Vast areas of Gaza have been reduced to rubble, and survivors face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. Nadia Al-Debs, displaced by the conflict, expressed her determination:
“The first thing I’ll do, I’ll kiss the dirt of the land on which I was born and raised. We’ll return so my children can see their father.”
Hostages Still in Gaza
While the release of the four female soldiers brings joy to their families, over 90 hostages remain in Gaza, including men, women, and children. Israeli officials estimate that up to half of these hostages may have already died. Hamas has not disclosed exact numbers or the identities of those who are deceased.
The initial attack by Hamas on October 7 resulted in the abduction of around 250 hostages, including civilians and soldiers. Approximately 100 have been freed since, either during brief ceasefires or through military rescues. However, the fate of the remaining captives hangs in the balance.
Families of hostages have urged Israeli leaders to ensure the return of all captives. Some have appealed directly to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously warned of severe consequences if hostages were not released by his inauguration.
Emotional Reunions and Lingering Worries
The scenes of hostages reuniting with their families during the ceasefire have been heartwarming yet bittersweet. For every family celebrating a reunion, there are countless others waiting in anguish for news of their loved ones.
Vicky Cohen, whose son Nimrod remains in Gaza, shared her mixed emotions:
“This week we were moved to watch images of mothers embracing their daughters, but our hearts break thinking that my son Nimrod and others remain behind. Each day poses a real danger to their lives.”
Similarly, Ayelet Samerano, whose son Yonatan is also still held captive, appealed for international help, stating:
“Our hearts ache, but we won’t stop fighting for their release.”
What Lies Ahead?
The release of the four soldiers is a small step forward in a larger and deeply complex conflict. The prisoner exchange reflects the harsh realities of negotiation in such situations, with both sides making difficult concessions.
The ceasefire remains fragile, with no guarantee that hostilities won’t resume. For now, the focus is on securing the release of the remaining hostages and providing humanitarian relief to Gaza’s war-stricken population.
As the world watches, the stories of those freed and those still waiting underscore the profound human cost of this conflict, reminding us that peace remains elusive but desperately needed.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.