On January 25, Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners. The women were part of a mostly female unit stationed near Gaza to monitor potential Hamas activity. These four were among about 250 hostages captured during the attack on October 7, 2024. Another soldier from the group is expected to be freed soon.
Video footage from May showed the five soldiers, in pyjamas, being captured during the raid. They appeared stunned and, in some cases, injured before being forced into a jeep. Israeli authorities later obtained the footage from bodycams worn by the assailants who attacked their base in southern Israel, where the soldiers had been working as surveillance operators.
The Israeli soldiers released by Hamas
Naama Levy, 20
Footage of Naama Levy’s capture spread quickly after the attack, showing her bruised, bloodied, and with her hands tied behind her back. She was forced into a vehicle, with chants of “God is great” heard in the background. During her abduction, she told her captors: “I have friends in Palestine.” Following her return, her family expressed their joy at her safe return, but also shared their thoughts with the families still awaiting news of their loved ones held in Gaza.
Daniella Gilboa, 20
Daniella Gilboa was injured during the October 7 attack, limping in the footage showing her capture. A video released in 2024 showed her speaking out, urging her government to secure her release, as she expressed feelings of abandonment.
Liri Albag, 19
Liri Albag had only been serving in the military for a day and a half before she was captured. Earlier this year, a video emerged of her reading a message and calling for her release. Her family praised her courage, stating their immense pride in her resilience throughout her captivity.
Karina Ariev, 20
Before her capture, Karina Ariev managed to contact her family and send them a brief farewell message. A photo later released by Hamas showed her with a bandaged head, marked with what seemed to be blood stains. Upon her return, her family expressed their deep gratitude and happiness, following 477 days filled with uncertainty and concern. They rejoiced at finally hearing her voice and seeing her smile again.
