Israel-Hamas Ceasefire deal: As a part of the recent ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, four female Israeli soldiers taken hostage during the October 7 attack are reportedly set to be released today. Hamas announced that it intends to free Karina Ariev (20), Naama Levy (20, Daniella Gilboa (20), and Liri Albag (19).
However, Saturday’s list does not include the name of Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old female civilian hostage held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Israeli officials had earlier asked for Yehud’s release but faced challenges as she was held captive by PIJ and not Hamas.
It was initially unclear until Friday whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would proceed with the release of the four soldiers due to Yehud’s absence from the list. However, after further discussion between Israeli leaders, the families of the four hostages were notified about their release.
The four Israeli women are among the seven soldiers who were earlier kidnapped from the Nahal Oz military base, where they worked as Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military lookouts, stationed along the Gaza border. According to reports, the fifth soldier still held hostage in Gaza is Agam Berger, not included on Saturday’s list.
The armed wing of Hamas, Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, released a video on January 4, 2025, of Liri Albag, set to be free today. She was held hostage in Gaza since the October 2023 attack. The video which was three-and-a-half-minute long showed 19-year-old Albag making a plea in Hebrew language to the Israeli government in a visibly distressed condition.
Hamas publicó este video con señales de vida de la rehén Israelí, Liri Elbag !!! pic.twitter.com/rUK6uXoJ5S
— Isaac (@isaacrrr7) January 4, 2025
The situation, however, remains tense as Hamas and its allies are still holding 91 people from Israel following the October 7, 2023 attack. Three additional hostages have been held captive since 2014 and are still in Gaza.
