On January 25, 2025, Hamas militants released four female Israeli soldiers after holding them captive for 15 months. This release was part of a planned exchange involving 200 Palestinian prisoners or detainees currently in Israeli custody. The exchange follows a fragile ceasefire that commenced over the previous weekend, which aims to halt ongoing hostilities in Gaza for at least six weeks, during which many Israeli and Palestinian hostages are expected to be freed alongside an influx of aid into the region.
As per the agreement, in exchange for the four soldiers, Israel is set to release 200 Palestinian prisoners, including 120 militants who have been convicted of life sentences for their involvement in deadly attacks. This incident marks the second such exchange since the ceasefire began. The first took place on January 19, 2025, when three Israeli hostages were released along with 90 Palestinian prisoners.
The ongoing conflict has claimed over 47,000 Palestinian lives according to Gaza health authorities; notably, this figure includes both combatants and civilians. The escalation of violence began following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis.
In a related development, the Palestinian authorities released a list detailing the 200 prisoners slated for release from Israeli custody. Of these prisoners, 120 have been convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis. Additionally, the list indicates that 70 of the prisoners will be barred from returning to their homes in the occupied West Bank or Jerusalem, and will instead be required to live in exile, though the locations for their exile have not been confirmed.
Among the prisoners expected to be released are Mohammad Odeh, 52, and Wael Qassim, 54, both linked to fatal Hamas attacks, including a 2002 bombing at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem that resulted in nine deaths. Another notable figure is Mohammed Aradeh, 42, an Islamic Jihad militant who gained notoriety in 2021 for an audacious escape from a high-security prison alongside five others.
The four released Israeli soldiers—Karina Ariev, 20, Daniella Gilboa, 20, Naama Levy, 20, and Liri Albag, 19—were also captured during the October 7 attack. Israeli officials confirmed their return to safety on January 25, 2025. This truce is part of an effort to de-escalate what has been described as the deadliest conflict between Israel and Hamas to date.
On the ground, gatherings took place in both Tel Aviv and Gaza City as people awaited the hostages' release. In Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, a large screen displayed images of the four soldiers. Onlookers expressed a mix of excitement and anxiety about the release, highlighting the personal losses many have faced due to the ongoing hostilities. Meanwhile, in Gaza City’s Palestine Square, crowds gathered with celebratory gunfire as militants prepared to facilitate the hostages' handover to the Red Cross.
In a separate report, the Lebanese army has raised concerns over the deployment of troops in southern Lebanon due to what they describe as Israeli "procrastination" in its withdrawal from the area, following a ceasefire agreement. There are indications that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may not adhere to the planned withdrawal schedule, suggesting instead that the Lebanese government has not fully enforced the agreement.
As both sides maneuver through the complex dynamics of ceasefire and hostage exchanges, these developments reflect an ongoing and deeply rooted conflict, marked by significant human cost on both sides.
