In a significant development under the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Hamas has released four female Israeli soldiers in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners.
On January 25, 2025, Hamas freed four Israeli female soldiers—Naama Levy (20), Daniella Gilboa (20), Karina Ariev (20), and Liri Albag (19)—who had been held captive since their abduction during an attack on the Nahal Oz military base on October 7, 2023. The soldiers, members of the Israeli army’s surveillance unit, were handed over to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza City before being transferred to Israeli forces.
The exchange is part of a broader ceasefire agreement aimed at halting hostilities in Gaza and facilitating the release of hostages and prisoners on both sides. Under the terms of the deal, Israel is set to release 200 Palestinian prisoners, including 120 individuals serving life sentences for deadly attacks. This follows a previous exchange where three Israeli hostages were swapped for 90 Palestinian prisoners.
The released soldiers have been reunited with their families in Israel and are reported to be in good physical condition. They will undergo further medical and psychological assessments to address any health concerns arising from their prolonged captivity.
The initial phase of the ceasefire agreement, which took effect on January 19, 2025, is scheduled to last six weeks. It includes provisions for prisoner exchanges and aims to establish a permanent truce, with the eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Despite the current calm, tensions remain high, and the situation is fragile, with both sides accusing each other of potential violations.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with hopes that the ceasefire will hold and lead to a lasting resolution to the conflict. The release of the four soldiers marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian concerns arising from the prolonged hostilities in the region.
