Hamas Releases Four Female Israeli Soldiers in Gaza Cease-Fire Deal

A subtle shift in long-standing tensions may be emerging as Hamas releases four female Israeli soldiers as part of a cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip. The release occurred shortly after a cease-fire negotiation between Hamas and Israel concluded on November 6, 2025. The agreement is the culmination of months of diplomatic efforts and was a difficult decision for both Israel and Hamas. Israel, in particular, had to negotiate while quelling public outrage over the detention of its soldiers, while Hamas had to find practical benefits amidst international pressure. The released Israeli female soldiers had been held in the Gaza Strip, their captivity fueling public opinion in Israel and triggering calls for a hard-line response against Hamas. Some even argued that the Israeli government should exert more robust military pressure on Hamas. Hamas's decision is seen as a response to the international community's persistent calls for a cease-fire and the release of hostages. Major international organizations, including the UN, the United States, and the European Union, have consistently demanded the release of hostages by Hamas. In particular, the UN has defined Hamas's hostage-taking as a violation of international law and called for their immediate release. In addition to the release of hostages, the cease-fire agreement reportedly includes provisions for expanding humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and opening border crossings, which is expected to contribute to improving the dire living conditions of residents in Gaza. The Gaza Strip has been suffering from a shortage of basic necessities such as food, medical care, and housing due to the protracted conflict.

The Israeli government welcomed the hostage release and emphasized adherence to the cease-fire agreement. An Israeli government spokesperson stated, "Hamas must faithfully implement the terms of the agreement and cease any further provocative actions." The Israeli government also warned that it would respond strongly to any additional provocations by Hamas. Hamas, for its part, claimed that the release was carried out on humanitarian grounds and demanded the lifting of Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip. A Hamas spokesperson argued, "Israel must completely lift the blockade of the Gaza Strip and guarantee the basic rights of the Palestinian people." Hamas has criticized the Gaza blockade for exacerbating the suffering of the Palestinian people and demanded its immediate lifting. This cease-fire agreement and hostage release are seen as a small but positive step towards resolving the conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, the fundamental differences between the two sides and the unstable situation in the Gaza Strip remain challenges to be addressed. The two sides have reached cease-fire agreements several times in the past, but most have failed. Experts point out that while this cease-fire agreement may contribute to short-term tension reduction, building trust and substantial cooperation between the two sides are essential for long-term peace.

They also emphasize the importance of active international mediation efforts and support for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. The reconstruction of Gaza is expected to require substantial funds, and active international support is essential. Egypt and Qatar are known to have played a mediating role in the cease-fire negotiations. Egypt has mediated negotiations between Israel and Hamas in the past, and Qatar has provided humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Egypt and Qatar made continuous efforts to persuade both sides to reach the cease-fire agreement. The hostage release has been positively assessed by the international community, and there are growing calls for further hostage releases and extensions of the cease-fire. The UN said in a statement, "Both sides must make every effort to ensure that all hostages are safely released." The UN also urged Israel and Hamas to extend the cease-fire and proposed additional negotiations. Hamas handed over the released Israeli female soldiers to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in accordance with the cease-fire agreement. The ICRC will check the health of the released soldiers and help them return safely to Israel. The ICRC has been involved in hostage release and humanitarian aid activities in conflict zones in the past. The Israeli army said in a statement that it welcomed the return of the released soldiers and would carefully check their health and provide psychological stability support. The Israeli army also expressed its gratitude to all those who worked for the release. The Israeli army has promised to provide all necessary assistance to the released soldiers. This cease-fire agreement has given the people of the Gaza Strip a moment of peace. However, the poor environment and unstable security situation in the Gaza Strip remain challenges to be addressed. The international community has pledged continued support for the reconstruction of Gaza. The people of Gaza hope to regain a peaceful life with this cease-fire as an opportunity. Israel and Hamas are likely to conduct additional prisoner exchanges through this cease-fire agreement. It is expected that both sides can build trust and seek peaceful relations through prisoner exchanges. Prisoner exchanges can ease tensions between the two sides and provide an opportunity to improve relations. Hamas's decision officially took effect at 15:00 (KST) on November 6, 2025, and no peculiar trends have been observed to date. The Israeli army has deployed troops around the Gaza Strip and is watching Hamas's movements.