Four female hostages held by the terror group in Gaza for 477 days as part of the second phase of a high-stakes ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas – Karina Aliek, Daniela Gilboa, Nama Levy, Lili. Albag was reunited. Saturday family.
In exchange, Israel released 121 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life in prison for deadly terrorist attacks and freed 79 prisoners serving long sentences..
The release of Palestinian prisoners – some convicted of heinous acts of terrorism – has stirred deep emotions and debate across Israel. This deal helped the return of hostages held in Gaza, but it comes at great cost.
Families of released prisoner victims expressed their anguish as they grappled with the pain of reopening old wounds, recognizing the importance of reuniting hostages with loved ones.
Hamas releases four female hostages as part of Israeli ceasefire
Hillel Fuld, whose brother Ali was killed by Palestinian terrorists six years ago, shared the personal sacrifice that may free the perpetrators.
“It's certainly a punch in the gut, but I don't think our personal loss will change our opinion on this deal,” Fuld said. “It's terrible and beautiful. Strategically terrible, but beautiful because the families of the hostages are reunited with their loved ones.”
A bus transporting Palestinian security prisoners is greeted by a crowd after being released from an Israeli prison following the ceasefire agreement with Israel in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Saturday, January 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)
Fuld also highlighted security concerns.
“My understanding is that the terrorist who killed my brother will be deported outside of Israel to Turkey or Qatar,” Fuld said. “I'm not too worried about that, but people returning to Judea and Samaria is definitely a security concern. I hope the government has a plan for what comes next.”
Orit Mark Ettinger lost his father, Michael Mark, in the 2016 terrorist attack. Her younger brother Fedya, who survived the attack that killed their father, was killed in Gaza. Two of her cousins were also victims of terrorist attacks.
“When I first heard about the decision to release terrorist prisoners in exchange for hostages, I felt deep pain and anguish,” Ettinger told Fox New Digital. , the terrorist who killed him may now walk free on the streets.
“One of my father’s murderers had already been released in the Shalit deal and has come back to kill. We are afraid of the consequences of saving them. But we cannot leave the hostages – innocent people – they must go home.
Two of the prisoners released on Saturday were involved in the terrorist attack that killed their father.
Hamas terrorist parade before the transfer and release of four female hostages in Israel, January 25, 2025. (TPS-IL)
Among the 1,900 prisoners to be released in the ceasefire deal are those responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in Israel's history. Wael Qassem is serving 35 life sentences for coordinating a suicide bombing that killed 35 people. Majdi Za'atri, who was sentenced to 23 life conditions, drove a suicide bomber into a bus stop in Jerusalem in 2003, killing 23 people, including children.
Another terrorist released on Saturday, according to the Israelis, was arrested for killing 21 civilians and injuring 150 in five suicide bombings and shooting attacks, according to a post by X. It was Mardawitapat, who was serving a life sentence.
Other famous prisoners include Ammar Al-Ziben, who is serving 32 life sentences for planning multiple suicide bombings, including a double bombing at the Mahane Yehuda market in 1997 that killed a 16-year-old. Masu. A bus bombing in 2004 killed 19 people and injured more than 100.
Israel's General Security Services Director Ronen Barr warned that 82% of the 1,024 prisoners released in the 2011 Gilad-Shalit exchange returned to terrorism.
“Many of the Hamas leaders who orchestrated the October 7 massacre were among those released in previous deals,” Barr told the Security Cabinet.
Bittersweet joy as the first hostages returned to Israel 471 days after they were taken
Released Palestinian security prisoners arrive in the West Bank city of Beitonia as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel. As part of the deal, the Netanyahu government agreed to release a number of convicted terrorists on January 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Zohar Dvir, former commander of the elite Yamam Counter Terrorism Squad, told Fox News Digital: As for the lives of many hostages, we are forced to pay a heavy price by releasing the terrorists.
“The chances of rescuing them alive decrease dramatically over time, from one operation to the next. The way to release a hostage alive is through a deal. Later, wherever you are. ”
Yair Cherki, an Israeli journalist whose brother was killed in a terrorist attack in Jerusalem, was overwhelmed by the implications of this deal.
“Israel succumbed to humanitarian pressure at the most critical moment and provided aid that effectively strengthened Hamas's control over the civilian population,” Cherki said. “Diplomatically, the strategy relied entirely on waiting for Trump, which proved to be a dead end. Like Biden's 'don't', Trump's Gates of Hell also meant both Working in a manner that left Israel with no diplomatic leverage.
Israeli hostage families hold photos of loved ones held hostage by Hamas in Gaza marching on Jerusalem. (Matan Golan/SOPA Images/Lightrocket via Getty Images)
“After 15 months, hostage time is running out and Israel is left with no choice but to bring the hostages home and accept a deal that will begin to heal its fractured society. It's not just a matter for the victim's family, but for all of Israeli society and future victims.
“This cycle of trade that leads to murder and kidnapping must end. Releasing hostages reflects our society's commitment to life and mutual responsibility. This is our It’s DNA.”
Even those directly affected, like Fuld and Ettinger, acknowledge that hostages must be prioritized.
“Most families support this deal because they would do anything to get their loved one back,” Ettinger noted. “But we fear that these released terrorists will harm others.”
Click here to get the Fox News app
Cherki emphasized the collective responsibility of Israeli society.
“This deal is not just about individual families,” Cherki said. “It's about society and its commitment to solidarity. Despite its flaws, this deal could be the key to healing a broken nation.”
