TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Hamas announced Friday that it would release four female soldiers held hostage for 15 months in Gaza, as part of an exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners laid out in its ceasefire agreement with Israel.
TEL AVIV, Israel — Hamas announced Friday that it would release four female soldiers held hostage for 15 months in Gaza, as part of an exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners laid out in its ceasefire agreement with Israel. An advocacy group representing the families of hostages confirmed the identities of the captive Israelis to be released on Saturday.
Relatives of hostages still being held in Gaza had earlier Friday called on Netanyahu to ensure that all remaining captives are freed, and appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to continue pressing for their release.The four female soldiers on Hamas’ list were taken from Nahal Oz base near the border with Gaza when Palestinian militants overran it on Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 60 soldiers there.
Daniella Gilboa’s name was originally Danielle, but after her abduction her parents changed it to Daniella, citing the Jewish belief that changing a name can change someone’s fortune. In videos of her kidnapping, Gilboa appears to be suffering from a foot injury as militants hustle her into a jeep bound for Gaza. Gilboa has said she dreams of becoming a professional singer.
Militants who burst across the border into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people in an attack that sparked the war in Gaza, took around 250 men, women and children hostage. About 100 were released during a brief ceasefire in November that year. The bodies of around three dozen hostages have been recovered in Gaza. Eight hostages have been rescued by the army.
“This week we were moved to watch images of mothers embracing their daughters, but our hearts break thinking that my son Nimrod and other men remain behind, and each day they’re there poses a real danger to their lives,” said Vicky Cohen, whose son Nimrod Cohen is among the hostages still held.
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