Four Israeli hostages freed in Gaza amid tense truce

Jerusalem — The release of four Israeli women hostages from Gaza on Saturday has sparked emotional celebrations across Israel while raising questions about the fate of those still held captive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the event as a "very happy moment" during a call with the parents of freed hostage Liri Albag, as reported by Agence France-Presse.

The women—Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy—were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in a carefully orchestrated event in Gaza City. The hostages, all young Israeli soldiers, had been held by Hamas since October 2023.

A Stark Contrast in Celebrations

In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered in Hostage Square, embracing and cheering as the release was livestreamed on giant screens. Families of hostages wore yellow shirts with the slogan "You are not alone," reflecting the nationwide solidarity for those still detained. "It's waves of excitement and happiness," said one observer, as others wept with relief.

In Gaza, the handover was marked by a staged parade of the hostages, flanked by armed Hamas militants and witnessed by a cheering crowd. The hostages were even presented with gift bags, including keychains and certificates marking their captivity as part of the "Al-Aqsa Flood deal," the name given by Hamas to the October 2023 attacks that initiated the conflict.

Challenges Ahead

The release comes as part of a truce deal that began last Sunday, which includes the staggered release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Despite this progress, 87 hostages remain in Gaza, with many families fearing for their safety.

Protests have erupted in Tel Aviv and other cities, pressuring the government to secure the release of all captives. "The families cannot breathe. We will fight until the last hostage returns," said Ifat Kalderon, a relative of one of the remaining captives.

In Gaza, the return of Palestinian prisoners was met with similar fervor. In Rafah, relatives dressed in traditional embroidered attire greeted freed detainees with roses and celebratory gunfire. Yet, many expressed sorrow over Gaza’s devastation after 15 months of conflict.

Looking Ahead

The first phase of the truce has brought temporary relief, but challenges remain in navigating the complexities of the ceasefire and addressing the long-term impacts of the war. Netanyahu's government faces internal pressure to take decisive action, while international observers call for a path toward lasting peace in the region.

(Sources: Khader al-Zaanoun, Quentin Tyberghien, Oren Ziv, AFP)