Hamas Announces Release of Four Israeli Soldier Hostages Under Ceasefire Agreement
In a significant development, Hamas has disclosed the identities of four Israeli soldiers it plans to release on Saturday, January 25, as part of a ceasefire agreement that took effect in the Gaza Strip last Sunday. The hostages include Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, both 20 years old, and 19-year-old Liri Albag.
This anticipated release is set to occur in exchange for 200 Palestinians currently detained in Israel. It marks the second round of hostages freed by Hamas within the terms of the ceasefire agreement established on Sunday. Previously, Hamas had released three young Israeli women under the same arrangement.
The four soldiers—Ariev, Gilboa, Levy, and Albag—were taken captive by Hamas on October 7, 2023, while they were performing guard duties at a military base in Nahal Oz, which is located near the Gaza border. Their status as military personnel may introduce complexities into the ongoing negotiations for their release, particularly since the ceasefire agreement specifies that all civilian hostages must be released before military captives can be addressed.
In light of this stipulation, some Israeli government officials have indicated to the Times of Israel that discussions are actively taking place to navigate the intricacies surrounding this situation. As the world watches, the outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for future dealings in this lengthy and fraught conflict.
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