On Saturday, four Israeli female hostages Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag were released in Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The hostages, aged between 19 and 20, were freed to the Red Cross in Gaza City, marking a significant moment in the ongoing conflict that began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.
The release was part of a broader deal that saw 200 Palestinian prisoners freed, including 70 who were deported to neighboring countries like Egypt due to the severity of their offenses. Some of the prisoners were transferred to Gaza, while others returned to their homes in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. This release follows an earlier swap in January, which saw three hostages and 90 Palestinian prisoners freed under a temporary ceasefire agreement that took effect after months of violence.
However, the handover was not without controversy. Israel accused Hamas of breaching the terms of the ceasefire by not releasing Arbel Yehud, a civilian hostage. Israel had expected Yehud’s release as part of the agreement, which prioritized female civilian hostages. In response, Israel announced a delay in allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, a move it attributed to the unresolved issue of Yehud’s release. Hamas, on the other hand, assured mediators that Yehud would be freed next Saturday.
Saturday’s release was highly staged, with Hamas carefully choreographing the event. The hostages were escorted by masked gunmen through Gaza City’s Palestine Square to a stage set up for the occasion. The scene included a desk, Red Cross officials, and the symbolic presence of a machine gun. The hostages were seen waving and smiling as they were handed over, and each received a bag of personal items from Hamas. This orchestrated release, with its focus on order and control, was designed to project strength, particularly in light of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vows to destroy the group following the October attacks.
For Israelis, the safe return of the hostages brought relief to families, but also mixed emotions. While the women were reunited with their loved ones, some expressed anger over the public nature of the handover, especially after the chaotic release of the first three women the previous weekend.
As the situation continues to evolve, both sides face challenges in adhering to the terms of the ceasefire and managing the humanitarian crisis that has left tens of thousands dead in Gaza. The release of Yehud next Saturday will likely be a key moment in the fragile truce.
