Just in: Hamas releases four Israeli hostages to Red Cross in Gaza
Female Israeli soldiers, who had been held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, are released by Hamas militants as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Gaza City, January 25, 2025. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas
Hamas on Saturday released four Israeli women hostages to the Red Cross under a truce deal, as the Gaza war enters a critical ceasefire phase.
The women—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy (all aged 20), and Liri Albag (19)—had been held captive since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
The handover, witnessed by an AFP journalist, occurred in Gaza City, where masked Hamas and other resistant groups gathered in a show of force.
Israel has since confirmed receiving the hostages. According to Palestinian sources, Israel plans to release 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.
The truce, mediated by Qatar and the U.S., has brought significant aid flows into Gaza, with hundreds of trucks delivering food, medical supplies, and fuel daily.
However, the humanitarian crisis remains severe, with nearly 69% of Gaza’s infrastructure destroyed and millions displaced. The UN warns it could take until 2040 to rebuild homes.
Displaced Gazans are expected to begin returning to northern areas under the agreement, but many face the grim reality of destroyed homes
The ceasefire’s first phase involves staggered releases of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
Analysts warn the fragile truce risks collapse as distrust lingers between Israel and Hamas.
