Four Israeli Women Soldiers Set for Release in Hostage Swap with Hamas

Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy were captured while serving in a surveillance unit at the Nahal Oz military base near the Gaza border.

Jerusalem: Hostage Release of Four Israeli Women Soldiers Imminent

Four young Israeli women soldiers, who were abducted by Palestinian operators on October 7, 2023, near the Gaza border, are set to be released this Saturday. Their names were included in a list provided by Hamas as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel.

The soldiers, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy, were taken hostage while serving in a surveillance unit stationed at the Nahal Oz military base near the Gaza border. Their abduction was recorded on video by their captors, drawing international attention to their plight.

The October 7 incident also saw three other women soldiers taken hostage. Among them were Agam Berger, who remains in Gaza and is presumed alive, Noa Marciano, whose body was tragically repatriated to Israel, and Ori Megidish, who was successfully rescued alive by the Israeli military in late October 2023.

The release of these soldiers is expected to bring some relief to their families and the nation, as efforts continue to secure the return of others still in captivity.

Liri Albag, 19: A Story of Resilience

Liri Albag, 19, was performing her military service at the Nahal Oz base near the Gaza border when she was abducted on October 7, 2023.

Reports from previously released hostages revealed that Albag was forced by her captors to cook, clean, and babysit during her captivity. In January, Hamas released a video showing her in a three-and-a-half-minute recording.

Despite her ordeal, Albag managed to send messages to her family through other released hostages, urging her sister Shai not to cancel her traditional post-army trip and humorously requesting her not to touch her favorite shoes.

Known for her love of traveling, singing, photography, and cooking, Liri’s vibrant personality has been highlighted by the Israeli campaign group, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Her parents, Shira and Eli Albag, have been tirelessly campaigning for her release and the safe return of other hostages.

Her story is one of courage, resilience, and hope amidst a heartbreaking situation.

Karina Ariev, 20: A Compassionate Dreamer

Karina Ariev was abducted during her military service at the Gaza border. A video of her capture showed her being wounded, and she later appeared in a January 2024 video released by Hamas on Telegram, alongside fellow hostage Daniella Gilboa.

Ariev celebrated her 20th birthday while in captivity. Known for her compassionate nature and ability to bring people together, Karina dreams of becoming a psychologist, according to the Hostage and Missing Families Forum.

Her story underscores the human impact of the hostage crisis and the aspirations interrupted by her abduction.

Daniella Gilboa, 20: A Talented Musician

Daniella Gilboa, a native of Petah Tikva, was abducted during her military service along the Gaza border. She was identified as a hostage by the clothes she wore in videos she had sent to her boyfriend on the morning of the attack.

She turned 20 while in captivity and appeared in a January 2024 video released by Hamas on Telegram, alongside Karina Ariev.

Described as a passionate musician, Daniella studies piano and singing, aspiring to build a professional career in music, according to the Hostage and Missing Families Forum. Her talent and aspirations make her story all the more poignant.

Naama Levy, 20: A Determined Peacemaker

Naama Levy, now 20, was abducted during her military service along the Gaza border. In a video of her capture released by Hamas, she is seen being escorted to a vehicle, her trousers seemingly covered in blood. Other images show her with a swollen face.

The granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Naama grew up in India, where she attended a US international school. As a child, she participated in the Hands of Peace program, which fosters understanding and peace between young Israelis and Palestinians.

An avid triathlete, Naama is described by family and friends as gentle and quiet, yet full of light, joy, strength, and determination, according to the Hostage and Missing Families Forum. Her story highlights her resilience and commitment to peace and humanity.

Courtesy: Reuters

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• ^ Hebrew: מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל, romanised: Medīnat Yīsrāʾēl [mediˈnat jisʁaˈʔel]; Arabic: دَوْلَة إِسْرَائِيل, romanised: Dawlat Isrāʾīl
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