Official announcements from the Israeli government or Palestinian authorities confirming the prisoner exchange

IDF Awaits Noon Release of Four Israeli Female Soldiers as Hamas Militants Gather in Gaza City

Jan 25, 2025, 08:07 AM

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have completed preparations to receive four Israeli female soldiers who are hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The hostages, identified as Daniela Gilboa, Karina Ariev, Liri Albag, and Naama Levy, are expected to be released around 12 noon as part of the second phase of a hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas. The IDF's Manpower Directorate and the Medical Corps have established initial reception centers where the returning hostages will receive medical care and personal support before being transferred to hospitals to reunite with their families. Israeli Air Force helicopters are on standby to transport the hostages from the border area to hospitals, with commanders emphasizing the great privilege and responsibility of bringing the freed hostages home safely. Meanwhile, hundreds of armed Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants have gathered in Gaza City's Palestine Square, where a stage has been set up for the handover, which is expected to take place before the International Committee of the Red Cross. A sign in Hebrew reading "Zionism won’t prevail" is displayed at the site, and the militants are displaying force together ahead of the release. This comes as part of a ceasefire deal that also anticipates the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.