The release of these women is part of a broader ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
As part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, the Palestinian militant group Hamas will release four female Israeli soldiers.
Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev, Liri Albag, and Naama Levy are scheduled for release on Saturday. This release is contingent upon the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners by Israel, including 120 militants serving life sentences for terrorist attacks.
The four soldiers were captured on October 7, 2023, during Hamas’ attack on the Nahal Oz base near the Gaza border. This attack, part of a larger incursion by Palestinian militants, prompted Israel’s subsequent invasion of Gaza.
The Israeli advocacy group, Hostages Families Forum, welcomed the news, stating, “Our entire nation has rallied behind them and eagerly awaits their return home to their families.”
“We have both a moral imperative and a right to bring all our citizens home,” the group added.
A six-week ceasefire, signed January 15th, includes phased prisoner exchanges. The first phase, completed last Sunday, saw the release of three Israelis in exchange for 90 Palestinians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed receiving the list of Palestinian prisoners slated for release on Friday, declining to publicly identify them.
During the October 7, 2023 attack, Hamas and allied groups killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and abducted over 200. Around 90 hostages remain in Gaza.
Over 46,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since the conflict began.