Hamas names four Israeli female soldiers to be released in hostage deal
Hamas has officially named four Israeli female soldiers who are set to be released as part of a hostage exchange agreement. The soldiers, identified as Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, were captured during Hamas-led assaults on October 7, 2023, at the Nahal Oz military base near the Gaza border.
This release is part of a broader ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which has been in effect since January 19, 2025. The agreement stipulates that for each Israeli soldier released, Israel will free 50 Palestinian prisoners. Consequently, the release of these four soldiers will result in the liberation of approximately 200 Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons.
The exchange is anticipated to take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, and follows an earlier swap that occurred on January 19, where three Israeli women were released in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners.
The ongoing negotiations have been facilitated by mediators from Qatar and the United States, aiming to establish a more lasting peace following 15 months of conflict.
