January 25, 2025 — Four Israeli women, held hostage by Hamas since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, were handed over to the Red Cross on Saturday as part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by mediators. The handover, witnessed by journalists in Gaza City, marked a significant step in the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
The released women, identified as Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy (all aged 20), and Liri Albag (19), had been held captive for over 15 months. In exchange, Israel is expected to release 200 Palestinian prisoners, with further exchanges planned under the fragile ceasefire agreement.
The truce, brokered by Qatar and the United States, has temporarily halted hostilities and allowed for much-needed humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. The ceasefire aims to pave the way for a permanent resolution to the ongoing conflict, although concerns remain about the sustainability of the agreement.
A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
The war has left much of Gaza in ruins, displacing nearly the entire population of 2.4 million. The United Nations reports that over 69% of buildings in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed or damaged. While hundreds of aid trucks have entered Gaza since the truce began, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with many displaced families unable to return to their homes due to the widespread destruction.
In Israel, families of hostages have expressed mixed emotions—relief for those released but fear for the remaining hostages still held in Gaza. Vicky Cohen, mother of one hostage, voiced her concerns: “The worry that the deal will not be fully implemented is eating away at all of us.”
A Fragile Peace
The ceasefire agreement includes three phases, with the first phase focused on staggered exchanges of hostages and prisoners. However, analysts warn that the deal’s multi-phase nature and deep distrust between the two sides could lead to its collapse.
The war has taken a devastating toll, with over 47,000 Palestinians and more than 1,200 Israelis killed, according to official figures. Both sides have accused each other of targeting civilians, further complicating efforts toward a lasting peace.
Future Challenges
As part of the agreement, displaced Palestinians are expected to begin returning to northern Gaza, while Israel has committed to a partial withdrawal from certain areas to facilitate the exchanges. However, the long-term rebuilding of Gaza remains a colossal challenge, with some estimates suggesting it could take until 2040 to restore homes and infrastructure.
Adding to the tensions, Israel has ordered the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) to cease operations in Jerusalem by January 30, 2025, raising concerns about the future of humanitarian aid in the region.
With the ceasefire still in its early stages, the international community watches closely, hoping this truce can evolve into a stepping stone toward peace, despite the numerous obstacles ahead.
