Four Israeli soldiers held in Gaza after a deadly attack on 7 October 2023 are released by Hamas militants as part of a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel, in Gaza City, 25 January 2025.
Photo: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters
On Saturday, four Israeli hostages, female IDF soldiers, were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City. The hostages, dressed in military uniforms, were carrying bags similar to those of the previously released hostages. The bags reportedly contained certificates in Arabic and photographs of their time in captivity, The Jerusalem Post reported.
The Red Cross confirmed that the hostages are on their way to the IDF and Shabak security service in the Gaza Strip.
Dangerous atmosphere in Gaza
On the eve of the hostage transfer, Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, as well as civilians, gathered in Palestine Square in central Gaza. Al Jazeera’s live broadcast showed Hamas flags, posters with the words “Zionism will not win” and logos of the Mossad and Amman unfurled on the square.
The hostage deal was threatened after Hamas violated its terms by failing to release a civilian hostage. In response, Israel temporarily removed several names of Palestinian prisoners from the list for release, but later reinstated them and continued to implement the agreement.
Names of those released and prisoner exchange
The released Israeli hostages are expected to include Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariyev, Liri Albag and Naama Levy, Israeli TV channel KAN reported. In return, Israel will release about 200 Palestinian prisoners, of whom 70 will be deported to other countries such as Turkey, Egypt, Qatar and Algeria.
Humanitarian training
The IDF has completed all necessary preparations for the return of the hostages. First aid and psychological support stations are located in the base camp at Kibbutz Re’im. The released hostages will then be taken to hospitals and reunited with their families.
Command commentary
IDF Colonel (retired) Sharon Nakash, commander of Operation Freedom’s Wings, said:
“We are all excited. The reservists and regular soldiers are carrying out their mission with pride. It is our moral obligation to bring our sons and daughters home with dignity and honour.”
