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On Friday evening, Israel confirmed the names of four Israeli female hostages who are set to be released by Hamas on Saturday, following 477 days of captivity.
This exchange marks the second phase of a ceasefire deal established with Hamas, which went into effect on Sunday.
The hostages, whose names were provided by Hamas in the late afternoon, include Liri Albag, 19, Daniella Gilboa, 20, Karina Ariev, 20, and Naama Levy, 20.
These four women were among a group of seven female soldiers abducted from an IDF surveillance unit at the Nahal Oz army base during the Hamas-led massacre on October 7, 2023.
While one of the soldiers was later rescued, and the body of another was recovered after being murdered in captivity, the remaining five soldiers remained hostages.
The latest list released by Hamas includes only four of these five soldiers, leaving Agam Berger, 21, out of the exchange.
This omission stands in partial violation of the ceasefire agreement, which stipulates that female civilians should be released first, followed by female soldiers, the elderly, and those in critical health.
However, Israel accepted the release of the four hostages, deeming the breach of the agreement insufficient to jeopardize the broader deal.
In addition to the four soldiers, two female civilian hostages are included in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement: Arbel Yehud, 29, and Shiri Silberman Bibas, 33.
Bibas’s family, which includes her two young children and husband, is among the 33 hostages set to be freed.
While Yehud was expected to be part of this exchange, she was not named on the Friday list. Yehud had been on a previous release list in November 2023, but that deal collapsed before the final group could be freed.
The four soldiers whose names were confirmed on Friday all have distinct and compelling stories. These young women were caught in the deadly chaos of October 7, a day that saw Hamas launch a massacre targeting Israeli soldiers and civilians alike.
Liri Albag: The Aspiring Architect
Liri Albag, 19, hails from Moshav Yeruhav in central Israel. Prior to her abduction, Albag was known for her joyful personality, which her family describes as infectious.
She had dreams of becoming an interior designer and architect, and was passionate about traveling, photography, and cooking.
On the morning of October 7, Albag was in communication with her mother, Shira, informing her that she was taking shelter from the ongoing rocket fire.
Later, Albag’s family was devastated to learn of her abduction after Hamas released a video showing her being kidnapped.
In a propaganda video released earlier this month, Albag appeared in a state of distress, revealing that she had been held for over 450 days.
The emotional toll of captivity was evident in her demeanor, prompting her family to plead with the Israeli government to act swiftly to bring their daughter home.
Daniella Gilboa: The Musician
Daniella Gilboa, 20, from Petah Tikva, is an aspiring musician, passionate about piano and singing. Known for her optimism and kindness, Gilboa was in touch with her family on the morning of October 7, sending videos that showed what she was wearing that day.
When Hamas released a video showing Gilboa and her friends being taken captive, her family immediately recognized her by her shirt and a hidden ponytail.
Gilboa later appeared in a video released by Hamas in January 2024, in which she described the harrowing conditions of her captivity. She spoke of constant bombardment and expressed her fears for her life, with a tone that seemed to reflect the coercive nature of her statements.
Karina Ariev: The Compassionate Leader
Karina Ariev, 20, from Jerusalem, was also taken captive during the massacre at Nahal Oz. Ariev had a wide range of interests, including dancing, singing, writing, and makeup.
She had aspirations of becoming a psychologist, known for her compassionate nature and ability to bring people together.
On the morning of October 7, Ariev contacted her parents, describing the terrifying scenes unfolding around her. Her last communication was filled with fear, as she cried and told her family that she loved them.
Ariev’s parents lost contact with her shortly after that call. Her name had remained on the list of hostages, and now, after over a year of captivity, her family can finally expect her return home.
Naama Levy: The Triathlete
Naama Levy, 20, from Ra’anana, was also among the hostages abducted from Nahal Oz. A dedicated triathlete, Levy was deeply involved in efforts to foster understanding and peace between Israeli, Palestinian, and American youth.
Described by her family as a gentle yet determined individual, Levy was also a source of joy and light in her community.
The last communication Levy had with her mother was a text sent at 6:55 a.m. on October 7, stating that she and her comrades were in a secure location, though she noted that the sounds of rockets and gunfire were unlike anything she had ever heard.
Hours later, a chilling Hamas video emerged showing Levy in a state of distress, her hands bound, her pants bloodstained, and her feet bare.
The image of her bloodied sweatpants has since become a symbol of the abuse suffered by the female hostages under Hamas captivity.
The Broader Context: Ceasefire and Diplomatic Efforts
These releases are part of a larger ceasefire deal brokered between Israel and Hamas. The ongoing negotiations have been marked by significant challenges, including the failure of a previous agreement in November 2023 that left many hostages still in captivity.
The complex dynamics of hostage exchanges and ceasefire deals have kept families of the captives in a state of uncertainty, as they await further developments.
The release of these four women offers a glimmer of hope, though the pain of the remaining hostages, including those still held by Hamas and other terror groups like Palestinian Islamic Jihad, continues.
The Israeli government’s handling of these hostage negotiations will remain under intense scrutiny, as both the families and the Israeli public demand the safe return of all captives.
As these four hostages prepare for their long-awaited return to Israel, the stories of Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev, and Naama Levy stand as a testament to the strength, resilience, and hope that continue to fuel efforts to secure the release of all Israeli hostages still in captivity.
Their journeys home will be marked by a mixture of joy and sorrow, as they reunite with families who have endured the emotional turmoil of their abductions.
