Hamas announced on Friday that it would release four female Israeli soldiers who have been held hostage in Gaza for over a year. The soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—were abducted during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which marked the beginning of the ongoing war. This release is part of a hostage-for-prisoner swap set to take place on Saturday, where Israel is expected to free around 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the four hostages.

The truce between Israel and Hamas, which began on Sunday, is seen as a potential starting point for a more permanent cease-fire. As part of the deal, Israel has agreed to partially withdraw from parts of Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home. Hamas, in turn, has agreed to provide information about the condition of other hostages still in Gaza. 

Although the announcement of the female soldiers’ release has brought some hope, the situation remains tense. Israel celebrated the release of three female hostages earlier, but the celebration was dampened by images of Hamas fighters parading in Gaza, signaling their continued strength. The cease-fire deal has been fragile, and the upcoming weekend, with the planned release and prisoner exchange, will be a critical test of its future.

The conflict has caused devastating losses, with at least 45,000 people killed in Gaza and about 94 hostages still held in the region, many of whom are feared dead. This situation is part of the larger ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which continues to draw global attention due to its humanitarian and political implications. The truce may offer a brief pause, but the long-term resolution remains uncertain.