GAZA: Four Israeli female soldiers, who were held hostage in Gaza for 15 months, have been released to the Red Cross. Their return comes under a ceasefire agreement, signaling the second exchange of hostages in recent negotiations.
The soldiers were freed earlier today, around 11 am local time, in Gaza City’s Palestine Square. As part of a larger deal, about 200 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released by Israel.
The hostages, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy (all aged 20), and Liri Albag, 19, were captured on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants abducted them from the Nahal Oz military base. There, the four women were stationed as lookouts for the Israel Defense Forces, observing activity inside Gaza.
Wearing green military uniforms, the freed soldiers stood on stage in Gaza Square. The crowd cheered as the women, visibly relieved, waved. In Israel’s Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, emotions ran high as people watched the live broadcast. It was a moment of shared joy for many families, relieved by the women’s safe return.
According to a statement from Israel’s Defense Forces and Security Agency, the Red Cross has confirmed the transfer of the four soldiers. The agency added that the women were now on their way to IDF and Israeli Security Agency forces in the Gaza Strip.
This development is the second major hostage release since the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel began. Hamas had previously released other hostages as part of broader peace talks.
The trade of hostages and prisoners continues under the broader ceasefire and peace negotiation processes. While their return brings relief to their families and Israel. The focus will remain on resolving the ongoing conflict, with both sides working to settle larger political and security issuesÛ”
