Hamas said it would release four female soldiers on Saturday. Left to right: Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag-Hostages and Missing Families Forum
Israel is preparing to welcome four female soldiers set for release by Hamas on Saturday. This development comes under a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip.
On Friday, Hamas announced its intent to release Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy—each 20 years old—and Liri Albag, 19. Israeli authorities informed the women’s families of their imminent release, even though the list excluded 29-year-old Arbel Yehud, a civilian hostage still held in Gaza.
Israel had demanded Yehud’s inclusion in this phase, but her detention by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, rather than Hamas, likely influenced her exclusion. Meanwhile, Hamas confirmed that 200 Palestinian prisoners, including 120 serving life sentences, would be freed on Saturday under the terms of the agreement.
The Israeli government previously agreed to release 50 Palestinian prisoners for each female soldier released from Gaza. However, uncertainty lingered over whether Israel would accept the list, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu consulting key officials before notifying the families of the decision to proceed.
The four soldiers were among seven kidnapped from the Nahal Oz military base during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. One soldier, Ori Megidish, was rescued on October 30, 2023, while another, Noa Marciano, 19, was killed in Gaza, with her remains recovered on November 17, 2023.
Videos of the kidnappings, showing the women bound and injured, became a stark representation of the attack’s brutality. Families of the hostages released the footage in May, urging the government to act.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed news of the expected release, stating that “an entire nation has fought for them and anxiously awaits their return.” They pledged to continue efforts for all hostages’ release under the ongoing agreement.
The youngest soldier, Liri Albag, was 18 at the time of her abduction. Described as vibrant and creative, her family shared her aspirations to study architecture in Paris. Similarly, Ariev, Gilboa, and Levy, who turned 20 while in captivity, were portrayed as talented and compassionate individuals with dreams ranging from psychology to professional music.
Earlier in the ceasefire’s first phase, three other Israeli hostages were freed on Sunday, alongside 90 Palestinian prisoners. Over the coming weeks, an additional 30 Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are set for release.
As part of the deal, Israeli forces will scale back operations in certain parts of Gaza, while humanitarian aid to the region will increase. The agreement marks a temporary reprieve in a long-standing conflict, providing a glimmer of hope for affected families on both sides.
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