Hamas Releases Four Female Israeli Soldiers it had abducted during its attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Saturday (January 25) that Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa and Naama Levy were in Isreal.
IDF has said that the soldiers will now undergo medical assessment following which they will be able to meet their families after 477 days. Their release has come as a part of ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
These soldiers were among 7 abducted from Nahal Oz military base during October 7 attack.
Israel military released a statement about the release.
"A short while ago, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, the four returning hostages crossed the border into Israeli territory," said the military in a statement.
Israel-Hamas war is currently in the state of ceasefire. The first phase of the ceasefire is likely to last five more weeks. More aid is expected to flow in to Gaza. The war and the Israeli bombardment was a major impediment to aid flow.
Although release of these soldiers is a positive step for Israel, it has said Hamas did not abide by it word of releasing civilian hostages.
“Hamas didn’t fulfil the agreement in terms of its obligation to return civilians first - we will insist that Arbel Yehud return as well as Shiri and the Bibas children; we are gravely concerned of their [Bibas] fate, and expect certainty on that issue,” said IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari.
