Four female Israeli soldiers released from Hamas captivity

Four female Israeli soldiers, who were captured by Hamas fighters during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, have been handed over to the International Red Cross in Gaza.

The soldiers, identified as Karina Ariev, 20, Daniella Gilboa, 20, Naama Levy, 20, and Liri Albag, 19, were seen being driven away from Gaza City’s central Palestine Square on Saturday morning in Red Cross vehicles.

The release was witnessed by a crowd of Gazans who had gathered in the square, watching the soldiers’ transfer. Before the handover, a Red Cross delegate, sitting at a desk in full view of the public and media, signed documents alongside a Hamas fighter.

Shortly after, the four women were taken onto a stage by Hamas gunmen, where they waved to the crowd and the media.

READ ALSO: Hamas releases Israeli hostages as ceasefire begins

The soldiers were originally captured by Hamas fighters during an attack on the Nahal Oz military base, near the Gaza border, on October 7.

During the assault, more than 60 Israeli soldiers were killed, and the female soldiers, who were part of a unit tasked with monitoring border threats, were taken captive. A fifth soldier from their unit, Agam Berger, 20, was also abducted but was not included in the handover.

In exchange for the release of these four soldiers, Israel is set to free 180 Palestinian prisoners on the same day.

This exchange is part of a broader ceasefire agreement under which hostages are being gradually released in return for Palestinian prisoners. The first phase of the deal involves the release of 33 hostages, with additional humanitarian aid being allowed into Gaza.

Israel’s military has prepared to receive the released hostages, providing them with medical care and support at initial reception points before they are transferred to hospitals and reunited with their families.

While the release of these four soldiers is a hopeful sign, Israel estimates that up to half of the more than 90 hostages still held in Gaza may have died.

Hamas has not confirmed the number of hostages still alive or provided names of the deceased, but further details on the remaining captives are expected to be released in the coming weeks.