Jerusalem: Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has released four Israeli female soldiers on Saturday as part of a high-profile exchange involving 200 Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails.
The four soldiers, all part of a predominantly female observation unit stationed around Gaza to monitor Hamas activities, were among approximately 250 hostages taken during the militant group’s attack on October 7.
Images and footage of their capture were broadcast on Israeli television last year after their families authorized the release in an effort to raise awareness and pressure authorities for their return. The harrowing videos, extracted from Hamas bodycam footage recovered by the Israeli military, showed the women appearing disoriented and still in their pajamas, with their hands tied. Some of them bore visible injuries.
Profiles of the Released Soldiers:
Naama Levy, 20
Footage of Naama Levy’s abduction was circulated widely on social media shortly after the incident. The video depicted Levy bruised and bloodied, with her trousers stained and hands bound, being forced into a jeep in Gaza while bystanders chanted, “God is greatest!” in Arabic. Levy, who had only recently begun her military service, was seen pleading with her captors, saying, “I have friends in Palestine.”
Daniella Gilboa, 20
Wounded during the October 7 attack, Daniella Gilboa was captured limping in the footage of the soldiers’ abduction. In a video released by Hamas last year, she was seen making an emotional appeal to the Israeli government, expressing feelings of abandonment and urging efforts for her release.
Liri Albag, 19
Having started her military service just 36 hours before her capture, Liri Albag’s story drew significant attention. Earlier this month, Hamas released a video of Albag reading a message, pleading for her freedom.
Karina Ariev, 20
Karina Ariev managed to contact her parents briefly before being taken hostage, sending them a farewell message. Israeli media later reported on a photograph released by Hamas that showed her with a bandaged head and visible bloodstains, further intensifying public concern for her welfare.
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A Nation’s Relief Amidst Lingering Wounds
The release of these four women has provided a momentary reprieve in a situation fraught with tension, grief, and uncertainty. However, the exchange underscores the deep complexities and human cost of the ongoing conflict.
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