By Sabiu Abdullahi
Hamas is set to release four Israeli women soldiers who have been held hostage since the October 7, 2023 attack, under a truce deal aimed at easing tensions in the Gaza conflict.
The exchange is part of an agreement expected to see a second group of Palestinian prisoners freed as well.
Israel confirmed on Friday that it had received the names of the hostages due to return, but neither side has specified how many Palestinians will be released in exchange.
The four Israeli soldiers who will be freed are Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag.
Albag, who turned 19 while in captivity, and the other women, now 20 years old, were captured during the deadly Hamas assault on Israel in October 2023.
As part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida stated on Telegram that “as part of the prisoners’ exchange deal, the Qassam brigades decided to release tomorrow four women soldiers.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the list of names had been received through mediators.
Palestinian sources indicated that the releases could begin by noon, though no specific timing has been confirmed by either Hamas or Israel.
This release is part of a fragile ceasefire deal brokered by Qatar and the United States, which began on January 19, 2025.
The agreement is meant to pave the way for a permanent resolution to the conflict.
The deal’s first phase, which commenced last Sunday, includes the return of 33 hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
Thus far, Israel has seen the return of three hostages—Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher—in exchange for the release of 90 Palestinians, predominantly women and minors.
The upcoming phases of the agreement are expected to focus on negotiations for a lasting end to the war and the reconstruction of Gaza, while also facilitating the return of the bodies of deceased hostages.