Israel has confirmed receiving the names of four female soldiers held hostage by Hamas following the October 7 attack. As part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, the soldiers—Karina Ariev (20), Daniella Gilboa (20), Naama Levy (20), and Liri Albag (19)—are slated for release, CNN reported.
The women were among seven soldiers kidnapped from the Nahal Oz military base, where they served as IDF military lookouts monitoring activity in the Gaza Strip. Graphic videos of their capture became a symbol of the brutality of the October 7 attack.
Discrepancy Over Hostage Inclusion
While Israel had demanded the release of Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old civilian believed to be held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, her name was absent from the list provided by Hamas. Sources suggest this could be due to differences in control over hostages between Hamas and its allies.
Despite this discrepancy, Israeli officials have decided to move forward with the release. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a situational assessment with his defense team before notifying the families of the four women.
Previous Ceasefire Commitments
Earlier ceasefire agreements in 2023 had called for the release of all women and children held captive. However, five soldiers, including Agam Berger, remain in Gaza. Berger is among 33 hostages set for release in the first phase of the ceasefire that began Sunday.
Broader Context of Hostage Situation
Hamas and its allies currently hold 91 hostages taken during the October 7 attack. In total, 251 people were abducted from Israel, including three hostages held since 2014.
Ceasefire Provisions
The ceasefire agreement includes Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza and an increase in humanitarian aid flow to the region.
This development marks a critical step in ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian and security challenges arising from the conflict.