Gaza City: Four Israeli female hostages Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, and Karina Ariev, held captive by Hamas since October 7 (477 Days), have been freed and returned to Israel as part of a ceasefire agreement.
The release, facilitated by the Red Cross, occurred in Gaza City’s Palestine Square and was marked by a highly choreographed handover.
Masked Hamas gunmen escorted the women onto a stage adorned with flags and a machine gun, emphasizing a display of both bureaucracy and strength. The hostages, wearing lanyards with ID badges, were provided with documents and personal items by Hamas before their release.
The public event, which included hundreds of Hamas fighters and Palestinian civilians, projected a calculated image of order and authority.
The exchange forms part of a broader deal in which Israel is set to release 200 Palestinian prisoners, 70 of whom are expected to be deported. This release contrasts sharply with the chaotic scenes of the first hostage handover last weekend, which drew criticism in Israel.
The four soldiers appeared to be smiling and holding hands during the event, though their true emotions after 15 months of captivity remain unknown.
This is the moment đ«¶
Welcome home Liri, Daniella, Karina and Naama. đźđ± pic.twitter.com/1DAbWX9Ix4
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 25, 2025
Hamas seemingly staged the display to send a message of strength and control to both Palestinians in Gaza and Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed to dismantle the group following the October attacks.
For Israelis, the release brings immense relief, but the public parading of the women has sparked anger. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) praised the womenâs courage, with Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee calling them âheroinesâ for their bravery in the face of their captors.
Hamas has announced plans to release an additional 26 hostages in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the IDF is preparing to withdraw from key positions in Gaza, allowing more displaced Palestinians to return to northern areas.
The release of the four women marks another chapter in the ongoing hostage negotiations amid the fragile ceasefire, with both sides navigating a tense and highly publicized exchange process.
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