Hamas Releases Four Israeli Soldiers After 477 Days in Captivity

Four Israeli Soldiers Released by Hamas After 477 Days in Captivity

Hamas has released four Israeli soldiers who were held captive in Gaza for 15 months. Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev, all 20, and Liri Albag, 19, were seen exiting a Palestinian vehicle on Saturday and were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross following a public display in Gaza City.

The women appeared ecstatic as they stepped onto a stage, beaming with joy and waving to the crowd. They were then transported to the Gaza border, where a helicopter awaited them.

Approximately one hour after the transfer to the Red Cross, the Israeli Defence Force confirmed their return to Israel.

“The four returning soldiers, Daniela Gilboa, Liri Elbag, Naama Levy, and Karina Ariev, have now crossed the border into Israeli territory with IDF and Shin Bet forces,” the IDF posted on X.

The IDF further stated that the returnees, accompanied by IDF and Shin Bet forces, are en route to an initial absorption point in the Gaza Strip to reunite with their parents.

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari stated in a televised address that Israel “cannot and will not forget” the 90 hostages still in Gaza.

The soldiers were taken to designated locations in Re’im, Israel, before being transported to a hospital for medical evaluations. They have since been reunite with their families.