Tel Aviv: Four female Israeli soldiers were released by Palestine-based Hamas on Saturday during the second phase of the hostage exchange under the Gaza ceasefire deal. The soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag—were serving as observers at the Nahal Oz military base near the Gaza border when they were abducted during Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023.
Before their release, the women, dressed in green military uniforms, were displayed before a crowd in Gaza City. They were then handed over to the Red Cross, which sent them back to Israel. As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israel freed 200 Palestinian prisoners after the return of the hostages.
Hamas captures Israeli soldiers
Liri, aged 19, along with 20-year-olds Naama, Karina, and Daniella, were among the initial captives taken by Hamas forces during their assault on the Nahal Oz base. The attack resulted in around 1,200 deaths, with over 250 people taken into Gaza. Early footage from the attack, filmed by Hamas, depicted the women in pyjamas, injured and handcuffed against a wall.
The video of their capture, initially shared by Hamas, was re-released by the soldiers’ families in May to press Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a deal for their release. After their return, Israel reposted the footage on X (formerly Twitter) as the women were reunited with their families.
“Hamas wants you to forget the images of Liri, Daniella, Karina, and Naama on October 7-dragged from their beds in bloodstained pajamas, their hands bound by Hamas terrorists. We will not let this happen,” read the caption of the post.
Dozens of armed Hamas terrorists are currently gathering in Gaza for the release of 4 female hostages.
Soon we will witness Hamas’ carefully orchestrated and cruel propaganda.
Hamas wants you to forget the images of Liri, Daniella, Karina, and Naama on October 7—dragged from… pic.twitter.com/FzqxzqgNyj
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) January 25, 2025
Captivity and hardship
In the video, one of the soldiers is heard telling a Hamas fighter that she has friends in Palestine. When asked to remain quiet, another soldier expressed her wish to call a friend in Gaza. According to media reports, during their 477 days in captivity, Daniella, Liri, Naama, and Karina were held in civilian homes and tunnels under poor sanitary conditions. They were reportedly forced to cook and clean for their captors, often while being given very little food for themselves.
Three other female soldiers—Agam Berger, Noa Marciano, and Ori Megidish—were also taken hostage alongside them. Ori Megidish was rescued by the Israeli military in late October 2023, while Noa Marciano was reportedly killed near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Agam Berger is believed to still be alive and in captivity in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities.
