01/25/2025January 25, 2025
Hamas to release 4 Israeli hostages as part of ceasefire deal
The Hamas militant group has said that Karina Ariev, 20; Daniella Gilboa, 20; Naama Levy, 20; and Liri Albag, 19 would be released on Saturday as part a ceasefire deal with Israel, which calls for the release of 33 hostages held in Gaza as well as hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli detention.
All four of the women on the Hamas list are Israel Defense Forces observation troops and were abducted from their base in Nahal Oz during the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Israeli authorities have complained that the list published by Hamas militants violates the terms of the agreement, Israeli Channel 12 reported. But following consultation with military and intelligence leaders, reportedly decided to move forward with the list.
Hamas told mediators that it remains committed to the deal, and that the four Israel Defense Forces troops will be released on Saturday.
The ceasefire agreement called for civilian women to be released ahead of military personnel.
Arbel Yehud, one of the last female civilian hostages believed to still be alive, is being held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, not Hamas.
Hamas is deemed a terrorist group by the US, Germany, Israel and many other countries.
km, rc/wd (Reuters, AFP, AP, dpa)
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