JERUSALEM/CAIRO, Jan 25 – In a significant development aimed at easing tensions, the Palestinian group Hamas is set to release four female Israeli soldiers on Saturday. This move is part of a broader ceasefire agreement designed to end over a year of conflict in Gaza. The agreement outlines a prisoner exchange, with Hamas agreeing to free hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Soldiers Abducted in October 2023
The four Israeli soldiers – Karina Ariev, Daniela Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag – were stationed at an observation post near Gaza when they were captured by Hamas during a major assault on Israel that occurred on October 7, 2023. The attack targeted the Nahal Oz base, where the women were serving as surveillance spotters. Video footage recovered from the attackers showed the soldiers being restrained and transported away, visibly distressed and some with injuries.
Saturday’s anticipated release will mark the second exchange since the ceasefire began earlier this week. Hamas has indicated that it plans to release the soldiers into the custody of the Red Cross in Gaza. They will then be transferred to Israeli forces, who will reunite them with their families and ensure they receive medical attention.
Details of the Prisoner Exchange
As part of the agreement, Israel is expected to release 200 Palestinian prisoners, including 120 individuals serving life sentences and 80 with other long-term convictions. While the identities of those to be released have not been disclosed, it is believed that many are members of militant groups involved in attacks that resulted in significant loss of life. The release is part of a phased agreement that is expected to include additional exchanges in the coming weeks.
Earlier in the week, Hamas released three Israeli civilians in a similar exchange that saw 90 Palestinian prisoners freed. Live footage from Gaza showed armed individuals gathering in a central square ahead of that release.
The Ceasefire Agreement
The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar and Egypt with support from the United States, represents the first pause in fighting since a brief truce in November 2023. Under the agreement, hostages held in Gaza will be released in stages over the next six weeks. In return, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and pull back some of its forces from positions in the Gaza Strip.
This initial phase of the agreement focuses on releasing women, children, the elderly, and those with medical needs. Later stages will address the release of male hostages of military age. Simultaneously, negotiations will take place regarding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, which has suffered extensive devastation after 15 months of conflict.
The ongoing conflict, which began following the October 2023 attack by Hamas, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Israeli officials report that 1,200 individuals were killed, and over 250 people were taken hostage during the initial attack. Meanwhile, Gaza’s health authorities report that more than 47,000 Palestinians have died as a result of the hostilities.
Families Await Reunions
As anticipation builds for Saturday’s exchange, families of the hostages prepare for emotional reunions. Once the soldiers are handed over to Israeli forces, they will be transported to safety, where they will undergo initial medical evaluations before being reunited with loved ones. An additional female soldier, captured alongside the four set to be released on Saturday, is expected to be freed in the coming weeks.
Broader Implications
The phased nature of the agreement underscores the complexity of negotiations and the deep mistrust between the parties involved. With Gaza left in ruins and Israeli communities still grappling with the aftermath of the October attack, the path to peace remains uncertain.
Saturday’s swap will likely serve as a test of both sides’ willingness to uphold the ceasefire agreement. While the release of hostages and prisoners may offer a temporary respite, long-term peace will require sustained efforts and significant compromises.
As the world watches, this second exchange could serve as a pivotal moment in the broader effort to bring stability to the region. Whether it leads to meaningful progress or merely a temporary pause remains to be seen.