Israel Confirms Release of Four Female Soldiers by Hamas Under Ceasefire Deal

Hostages include soldiers from Nahal Oz base; concerns raised over absence of civilian hostage from release list.

Tel Aviv [Israel], January 25: Israel has confirmed the names of four female soldiers held hostage by Hamas since the October 7 attack, who are set to be released under the ongoing ceasefire agreement, CNN reported.

The soldiers—Karina Ariev (20), Daniella Gilboa (20), Naama Levy (20), and Liri Albag (19)—were taken captive from the Nahal Oz military base, where they served as Israel Defense Forces (IDF) lookouts monitoring activity in the Gaza Strip.

Absence of Civilian Hostage Raises Concerns

Despite Israel’s earlier demand for the release of Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old civilian abducted from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, she was excluded from the list provided by Hamas. Yehud is reportedly held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad rather than Hamas, which could explain the delay in her release, sources told CNN.

While there was initial uncertainty about whether Israel would accept the list, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a situational assessment with defense officials. Later, the families of the four women were informed that the release would proceed as planned.

Symbol of October 7 Brutality

The kidnapping of these women soldiers became emblematic of the October 7 Hamas attack. Disturbing footage released earlier showed the soldiers bloodied, bruised, and lined up with their hands bound. The families of these soldiers had shared the footage in May to pressurize the government into securing their freedom.

Remaining Hostages in Gaza

According to official figures, Hamas and its allies still hold 91 hostages taken during the October 7 attack, along with three others who have been in captivity since 2014. In total, 251 people were abducted from Israel in the attack.

Ceasefire Terms

Under the current ceasefire agreement, Israeli troops will withdraw from certain parts of Gaza, and the flow of humanitarian aid into the region will be increased. The deal, which initially facilitated the release of hostages, has provided temporary respite in the ongoing conflict.

As negotiations continue, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and return of all hostages.