Hamas is again playing games with signed agreements: on Saturday (Jan. 25), the terrorist organization was to release three female IDF soldiers and one female civilian captive, in exchange for the release of 180 terrorists incarcerated in Israel.
Instead, the terrorists released four female IDF soldiers who served as border observers: Karina Ariyev, Naama Levy, Liri Albag and Daniela Gilboa. It’s wonderful that they are home — thank God that they are home — but Hamas is again messing with the terms of an agreement it has signed.
Naama, Liri, Karina, and Daniella – Welcome Back Home!?? pic.twitter.com/WGc3vqnSrf
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) January 25, 2025
After an initial rest period in a special reception area, the four young women were taken to Beilinson Medical Center in Petach Tikva for further evaluation and care. They were listed in “stable” condition.
Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old Israeli female civilian kidnapped from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023 during the Hamas invasion and massacre in southern Israel, was not freed, in violation of the agreement.
“In accordance with the agreement, Israel will not allow Gazans to cross into the northern Gaza Strip until the release of Arbel Yehud, who was supposed to be released, is arranged,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
“Israel is delaying further steps until Arbel Yehud is proven alive.”
Hamas is claiming Arbel will be among the three hostages to be freed next week.
Here’s why Hamas is already playing games with the agreement: 50 convicted terrorists are released by Israel in exchange for every IDF soldier freed from captivity. Hamas receives “only” 30 convicted terrorists for each civilian freed.
Hamas is clearly attempting to maximize the number of terrorists – including many serving life sentences – earlier rather than later.
It’s entirely possible the terrorist organization is already planning to violate the agreement, as it has in the past every single time a deal was made.
In November 2023, Hamas breached an eight-day hostage release/temporary ceasefire agreement after the seventh day, withholding the 10 hostages that were to be freed on the final day and instead resuming its war against Israel.
A total of 90 people kidnapped from Israel are still being held in Gaza, including 35 whose deaths have been determined by the IDF.
spoke with Shira and Eli Albag, the parents of Shiri Albag, who has returned from being held hostage by Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday night that he spoke with the parents of Liri Albag following her release from captivity.
“My wife and I, together with the entire people of Israel, embrace Liri and her friends who have emerged into a great light,” Netanyahu said.
I am pleased that in our great efforts, of the IDF and all those involved, we succeeded in bringing this about. This is truly a great day. We are working on the release of everyone else.”
Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch was present with Liri’s parents during the conversation.
