Hamas has released four female Israeli hostages as part of the ceasefire deal with West Jerusalem, handing them over to the Red Cross, a live stream of the exchange shows. Israel is expected to release 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.
Earlier media reports suggested that the Palestinian group agreed to hand over Liri Albag, 19, Karina Ariev, 20, Danielle Gilboa, 20, and Naama Levy, 20. All four are members of a surveillance unit that was captured at Nahal Oz military base near Gaza during Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7, 2023.
According to the live footage from the crowded Gaza City’s Palestine Square, Red Cross representatives appeared on a stage and signed what looked like the exchange papers with Hamas officials. Moments later, the Israeli captives also briefly appeared on the platform while being escorted by armed guards wearing masks, before being taken to Red Cross vehicles and driven away.