Hamas handed over four hostages to the Red Cross

Four hostages were handed over by Hamas to Israel through the mediation of the Red Cross. This was reported by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Those released from captivity went to IDF forces and the Israeli Security Service (Shabak) in the Gaza Strip.

The hostages were then handed over to Israeli forces and are returning to Israeli territory, where they will undergo initial medical examinations.

Abu Ubaida, a spokesman for the group's military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, said the previous day that Hamas would hand over the four women - Karina Ariyev, Daniela Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albagh. This information was confirmed by Dmitry Gendelman, an adviser to the Israeli prime minister's office. The released women are between 19 and 20 years old.

They spent more than 15 months in captivity. All four are soldiers and were abducted from an IDF surveillance unit at the Nahal Oz army base during the Hamas invasion on 7 October 2023.

Israeli media reported the day before that the list of hostages to be released on Saturday did not comply with the agreement between Israel and Hamas, as it did not include civilian hostage Arbel Yehud.

Under the deal, civilian women are to be released first, followed by female military personnel, and then men over 50 and those in need of medical attention.

Israel in return must release 200 Palestinian prisoners, including 120 convicted for life, notes the Associated Press.

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which includes a prisoner exchange, came into effect on 19 January after 15 months of war. Its first phase will last 42 days, during which time the sides must agree on the parameters of the second and third phases.