Reports from credible international news agencies such as BBC, Reuters, or Al Jazeera

Hamas Frees Four Israeli Soldiers After 15 Months in Exchange for 200 Prisoners

Jan 25, 2025, 10:29 AM

Hamas militants released four Israeli female soldiers on Saturday, handing them over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Palestine Square in Gaza City as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel. The soldiers—Karina Ariev (20), Daniella Gilboa (20), Naama Levy (20), and Liri Albag (19)—had been held captive for 15 months since being captured from Israel's Nahal Oz military base near Gaza during the October 7, 2023 attack. Prior to their release, the soldiers were paraded on a stage before a crowd in Gaza City. In exchange, Israel is set to release 200 Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences. This handover marks the second prisoner swap under the ceasefire, following the release of three Israeli women and 90 Palestinian prisoners last Sunday. The released soldiers were escorted out of Gaza by Israeli special forces and reunited with their families at a facility near the border after 477 days in Hamas captivity.