Hamas releases 4 Israeli soldiers in ceasefire handover to Red Cross
3 Min Read
The release of the four Israeli female soldiers by Hamas was marked by a display of power and control, underscoring the group's military and political influence in Gaza.
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Israeli captives Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy wave from a stage in Gaza City at a Hamas-run event as they are released to the Red Cross. (AFP)
Resistance Movement Hamas has released four Israeli female soldiers, handing them over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at Gaza City's Palestine Square. This transfer marks the second stage of prisoner-captive exchange under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, with preparations underway for the release of 200 Palestinian detainees.
The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing, delivered the soldiers, dressed in military uniforms, to Red Cross representatives.
The female Israeli soldiers were seen standing alongside Resistance fighters on a platform, where an official handover agreement was signed between a representative from al-Qassam and one from the Red Cross.
A display of the power of victory
The handover was preceded by the deployment of numerous fighters from both the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades and the Al-Quds Brigades in central Gaza City. The area was prepared for the arrival of the four Israeli soldiers.
Red Cross vehicles arrived shortly thereafter to receive the released Israeli soldiers.
Hundreds of fighters of al-Qassam Brigades and al-Quds Brigades flood Palestine Square in #Gaza prior to the release of Israeli captives.#PalestineSquare#GazaCeasefire#GazaPrevailsAgainstGenocide#غزة_تهزم_الإبادة https://t.co/Uf5pOqabtq
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 25, 2025
The names of the captives, identified as Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Danielle Gilboa, and Naama Levy, were revealed by Abu Obeida. Their release is part of the al-Aqsa Flood deal under the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which has been in effect since January 19, 2025.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed receipt of the list of captives from mediators. The statement indicated that "Israel's response to the list will be provided later."
Under the ceasefire agreement, the first day of the truce saw the release of three Israeli female captives by the Palestinian Resistance in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Zakaria Zubeidi and Ahmad Manasra to be released
In this context, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that the occupation authorities are expected to release around 200 detainees today, with some of them facing displacement to other countries.
Among those set to be released is Zakaria Zubeidi, with our correspondent noting that the occupation forces raided his family's home in the West Bank and threatened them not to celebrate his release.
As for the Palestinian detainees who will be displaced, it was reported that they are first set to head to Egypt, and will then be taken to either Algeria, Tunisia, or Turkiye.
Additionally, the release of young prisoner Ahmad Manasra, who was arrested as a child and subjected to torture, is expected today.
A number of well-known Palestinian detainees are expected to be liberated today from Israeli prisons, including the young #AhmadManasra, who was detained when he was still a young boy.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 25, 2025
Operation Freedom Tunnel Hero, Zakaria al-Zubeidi is also expected to be liberated today as… pic.twitter.com/2BGBQqU7TS
Under the ceasefire agreement, the first phase of the three-stage deal is set to last six weeks, with 33 Israeli captives being returned from Gaza in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian detainees.
The first exchange operation carried out on the first day of the agreement’s implementation, saw the Palestinian Resistance release three Israeli female captives in return for "Israel" releasing 90 Palestinian women and child detainees.
