Four Israeli women released by Hamas in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners

The exchange was part of the first phase of a six-week ceasefire agreement between the two sides.

The exchange was part of the first phase of a six-week ceasefire agreement between the two sides.

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Hamas has released four Israeli female hostages on Saturday in a prisoner swap that also saw Israel free 200 Palestinians, the majority serving life sentences for terrorism. The exchange was part of the first phase of a six-week ceasefire agreement between the two sides.

The Israeli hostages—Karina Ariev, 20; Daniella Gilboa, 20; Naama Levy, 20; and Liri Albag, 19—were abducted from a military base near Gaza during Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023. The Israeli government confirmed their safe return and stated they had been held captive for over 15 months, according to a report from the Times of Israel.

In Gaza, Hamas paraded the hostages to a makeshift stage with a banner that read “Zionism will not win,” in Hebrew. After a brief ceremony, the hostages were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which facilitated their transfer to Israeli forces. Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari criticized the public display, calling it “a cynical show.”

Palestinians in the city of Ramallah celebrated the release of the terrorists by Israel, according to the New York Times.

Under the terms of the ceasefire deal, Hamas has agreed to release 33 of the nearly 100 hostages it holds in Gaza over the first six weeks. Seven hostages have been freed so far, including the four in this recent exchange. In return, Israel has committed to releasing over 1,500 Palestinians during that time.

In a recording of a call between the parents of Liri Albag and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Liri’s father, Eli, urged the prime minister to ensure that the remaining hostages are brought home.

“We have 90 more hostages that I’m sure you’ll do everything and are doing everything to bring them all home,” he told Netanyahu, according to the Times of Israel. Netanyahu responded by telling the couple he did not have “any doubt” their daughter would be returned home.

“I told you she would come back, I promised you, I never had any doubt that we would succeed,” said Netanyahu. “It’s a great day.”

Additionally, the Trump White House released a statement in which it pledged to continue pushing for more hostages to be released.

“Today the world celebrates as President Trump secured the release of four more Israeli hostages who were, for far too long, held against their will by Hamas in horrific conditions,” the statement read. “The United States will continue with its greater partner Israel to push for the release of all remaining hostages and the pursuit of peace throughout the region.”


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