Hamas released four female Israeli soldiers on Saturday as part of a ceasefire agreement, marking the second round of prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas.
The released soldiers — Karina Ariev, 20; Daniella Gilboa, 20; Naama Levy, 20; and Liri Albag, 19 — had been held for 477 days in Gaza.
Four Israeli Soldiers released by Hamas in Gaza pic.twitter.com/1hPtgMK5sl
— DPS (@DPoliticalScope) January 25, 2025
They were transferred to the Red Cross following a public event staged by Hamas in Palestine Square, Gaza City, where they were paraded before crowds, dressed in makeshift military uniforms.
The soldiers were later transported to Beilinson Hospital in Israel, where they were assessed and reported to be in stable condition.
4 Israeli soldiers were released today, appearing in good health, well-fed, & dressed in clean uniforms. They exuded a sense of contentment & even expressed gratitude to the Al-Qassam Brigade. #FreePalestine #GazaCeasefire pic.twitter.com/o3IDLoGum0
— Syed Ajmal Kazmi (@SyedAjmalKazmi) January 25, 2025
Israeli authorities have described their resilience during captivity, including enduring harsh conditions such as poor sanitation, limited food, and being held in tunnels or civilian homes.
Following the release of the soldiers, Israel freed 200 Palestinian detainees, including individuals serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis. Thousands of Palestinians in Ramallah celebrated the return of these prisoners on Saturday.
A second batch of 200 Palestinian hostages was released from Israeli prisons under a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal ⤵️
Sixteen hostages arrived at the European Hospital in Khan Younis, greeted by thousands in southern Gaza pic.twitter.com/trUXBqGOnG
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) January 25, 2025
Shortly after the releases, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that civilians in Gaza would not be allowed to return to their homes in northern Gaza as initially planned, because an Israeli female civilian scheduled for release on Saturday was not among those freed.
Israel stated that Arbel Yehud, 29, who remains in captivity, is a civilian hostage and should have been released. However, sources cited by CNN disputed this, claiming that Yehud is a trained soldier in the Israeli army’s space program. One source claimed Yehud is alive.
Israeli officials have since urged international mediators, including the United States, to pressure Hamas to meet its commitments under the ceasefire agreement.
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire earlier this month, following 15 months of fighting in the Gaza Strip.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas will release hostages in phases, while Israel will reciprocate by releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The deal also requires Israeli forces to withdraw from populated areas in Gaza to allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes.
