Hamas releases names of 4 female hostages to be released next, possibly violates deal

Four Israeli hostages, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, who have been held in Gaza for 475 days, are set to be freed in the second round of hostage releases. Hamas revealed the names of the four women, all of whom are members of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday. The families of the hostages were informed before their identities were made public. This exchange of hostages is a positive step forward in the ongoing ceasefire, but it may violate the agreement as female civilians were supposed to be released before female soldiers.

In addition to the four female soldiers, two female civilians, Arbel Yehud and Shiri Bibas, along with her two sons, Kfir and Ariel, are also among the 30 people Hamas has agreed to release in the first phase of the ceasefire. Yehud was supposed to be released this week amidst concerns that she may be held by a different terror group than Hamas. The fate of the Bibas family has been uncertain since Hamas claimed they were killed in an Israeli airstrike, a claim Israel denies.

The release of the hostages brings hope to their families, who have been waiting for news since their abduction in 2023. The uncertainty of their captivity and concerns of sexual violence against the female soldiers have been ongoing issues. The exchange for their freedom involves Israel releasing 50 Palestinian security prisoners per female soldier, including those with life sentences for terrorism.

Israeli officials have been in contact with the families of the hostages to keep them updated on the situation. The release of the four female soldiers is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The world is watching as these women are finally reunited with their families after a long and harrowing ordeal.