Hamas has handed over four female Israeli soldiers who were held captive in Gaza for 15 months to the Red Cross, marking the second release of hostages under a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the militant group. This exchange is part of a larger agreement that will see about 200 Palestinian prisoners being released in return.
The handover took place in Gaza City's Palestine Square, with Hamas militants transferring the women to the Red Cross around 11am local time. The four soldiers, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, all aged between 19 and 20, had been held in Gaza since October 7, 2023. They were among seven female soldiers who were kidnapped from the Nahal Oz military base, where they served as Israel Defense Forces (IDF) lookouts, monitoring activities inside Gaza.
