The terrorist organization Hamas has recently released four additional hostages from Gaza on Saturday, following a ceasefire agreement with Israel that took effect nearly a week ago.
The freed hostages include Karina Ariev, 20, Daniella Gilboa, 20, Naama Levy, 20, and Liri Albag, 19, all members of the Israeli Defense Forces. Their release marks the second phase of hostage releases since their abduction during Hamas’ assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.
As part of the agreement, Israel is set to release 200 Palestinian prisoners or detainees, which includes 120 militants sentenced to life imprisonment for their involvement in lethal attacks.
The first round of releases occurred on Sunday, where three individuals—Romi Gonen, Emily Demari, and Doron Steinbrecher—were freed.
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Footage from Palestine Square in Gaza captured the four women being escorted from vehicles. They appeared alive and alert, dressed in uniforms.
According to a joint statement from the IDF and Israeli Securities Authority, “The Red Cross has reported that four Israeli hostages were handed over and are being transported to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip.”
Following their transfer to Israeli territory, the IDF and ISA confirmed: “The four hostages, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, have crossed the border into Israel and are en route to a reception point in southern Israel to reunite with their families.”
Upon their return to Israel, the hostages underwent initial medical evaluations.
The IDF stated on X, “The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostages as they journey home to the State of Israel.”
It is believed that the four female soldiers were previously held together.
After enduring 477 harrowing days in captivity, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters released a statement saying, “Daniella, Liri, Naama, and Karina are finally returning home – to their families who tirelessly fought for their release, to friends who prayed for their safety, and to a nation that never lost hope for this day to arrive.”
The statement further noted, “Their return today symbolizes a beacon of hope amidst darkness, a testament to the spirit’s endurance, while reminding us of the urgent need to secure the release of the 90 hostages still held in Gaza. We will relentlessly pursue the completion of all phases of this deal until every last hostage is home with their loved ones. Our deepest gratitude goes to President Trump for his crucial role in facilitating this deal.”
Under the ceasefire terms, a total of 33 hostages are scheduled for release over the next six weeks, including those already freed, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians incarcerated by Israel.
Hamas has committed to releasing three female hostages on the first day of the ceasefire, four on the seventh day, and the remaining 26 over the subsequent five weeks.
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This marks the second ceasefire established during the ongoing war that has persisted for over a year.
The 15-month long war in Gaza commenced when Hamas executed a surprise attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, prompting military retaliation from Israeli forces. Currently, nearly 100 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza.
