Hamas to Release 4 Israeli Hostages as Part of Ceasefire Agreement

Hamas has confirmed that it will release the names of four Israeli women hostages on Friday, set to be freed as part of a second prisoner swap under the ongoing ceasefire agreement with Israel. The hostages, Karina Ariev (20), Daniella Gilboa (20), Naama Levy (20), and Liri Albag (19), were among the seven Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military lookouts captured from the Nahal Oz military base during the October 7 attack.

The deal, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, outlines the exchange of these hostages for a group of Palestinian prisoners. It also includes provisions for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from parts of Gaza and increased humanitarian aid to the region. However, tensions remain as Israel sought the inclusion of Arbel Yehud, a civilian hostage believed to be held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

This truce follows the deadly October 7 Hamas attack, which resulted in 1,210 Israeli casualties and the kidnapping of 251 individuals. Since then, Israeli retaliatory strikes have caused over 47,283 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

The families of the hostages have been notified about the planned release, which is expected to take place on Saturday. An Egyptian-Qatari committee will oversee the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, following the withdrawal of Israeli forces along Al-Rashid Road.