Hamas Announces Next Hostage Release Under Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
Hamas has identified four Israeli hostages scheduled for release on Saturday as part of the ongoing ceasefire deal. The individuals named are soldiers Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag. Their release will coincide with the freeing of 180 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
This marks the second exchange of hostages since the ceasefire was implemented last Sunday. In the initial swap, Hamas released three hostages in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners.
Dr. Ayelet Levy, whose daughter Naama is among the hostages, described her as “a very strong girl” in a previous interview with the BBC.
The Conflict and Ceasefire Agreement
The ceasefire brought an end to active hostilities following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched an offensive that the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports has killed over 47,200 Palestinians, the majority of whom were civilians.
The truce, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, outlines a phased implementation. In the first stage, 33 hostages will be exchanged for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, with further releases and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces expected in subsequent stages. The goal is to transition the ceasefire into a permanent resolution to the conflict.
Changes in the Hostage List
Initial reports suggested that Arbel Yehud, a civilian, would be included in Saturday’s release. However, her name is absent from the list, and Israeli media attributes this to her being held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a separate group.
Hamas has committed to providing updates on the remaining 26 Israeli hostages over the next five weeks. Among these captives is the Bibas family, including a 10-month-old baby named Kfir, the youngest known hostage. However, it remains unclear if these updates will specify the hostages’ status or provide only numerical data.
Details of the Hostages and Prisoners
The four Israeli women set to be released—Ariev, Gilboa, Levy, and Albag—were captured at the Nahal Oz military base, where they served in a surveillance unit. Footage from the attack shows them restrained and pleading for assistance while being mocked by their captors.
Three weeks ago, Hamas released a video of 19-year-old Liri Albag urging the Israeli government to negotiate a deal for the hostages.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian prisoners slated for release in this second exchange are reportedly individuals convicted of more serious offenses, including some serving sentences of over 15 years. However, Israel has stressed that no one involved in the October 7 attacks will be included in these releases.
Recent Releases Under the Deal
On Sunday, three Israeli women were freed as part of the initial exchange. Among them was 24-year-old Romi Gonen, who had been captured while fleeing the Nova music festival, one of the sites targeted in the October 7 attacks. Also released were Doron Steinbrecher, a 31-year-old veterinary nurse, and Emily Damari, 28, who holds dual British-Israeli citizenship.
The released hostages returned to Israel and were reunited with their families, offering a rare moment of relief amid a conflict that has taken an immense toll on both sides.
