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4 Israeli women hostages released by Hamas

Another hostage, Arbel Yehud, was expected to be released but was not included in this round
12:09 AM Jan 26, 2025 IST | SURINDER SINGH OBEROI
4 israeli women hostages released by hamas
4 Israeli women hostages released by Hamas___Source/X
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New Delhi, Jan 25: Four Israeli women held hostage by Hamas were released on Saturday and handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza. They were later transferred to the Israeli military base, marking the second release under the ongoing ceasefire agreement.

The freed hostages—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—were military observers stationed at the Nahal Oz base near the Gaza border when Hamas launched its attack on October 7, 2023.

Another hostage, Arbel Yehud, was expected to be released but was not included in this round.

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A Palestinian official told the BBC that Hamas has assured mediators Yehud is alive and will be released next Saturday.

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In response, Israel has stated that displaced Palestinians will not be allowed to return to northern Gaza until Yehud is freed.

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The release took place in Palestine Square, Gaza City, on Saturday in a highly coordinated handover to the Red Cross, with Hamas militants wearing camouflage uniforms, holding assault rifles and local crowds present. Footage from the scene showed the hostages waving as they were escorted to ICRC vehicles.

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Under the ceasefire deal, Israel is set to release 200 Palestinian prisoners in return, including 70 who will be deported and the process of the release has begun as reported by the regional media.

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This exchange is part of a broader ceasefire agreement that began on January 19 aiming to free 33 hostages over six weeks.

Earlier in the week, three Israeli hostages were exchanged for 90 Palestinian detainees.

Hamas’ October 7 attack resulted in about 1,200 Israeli deaths, with 251 hostages taken to Gaza. In response, Israel launched a massive military campaign using heavy artillery, which Gaza’s health ministry says has killed over 47,200 Palestinians, mostly civilians.

In Ramallah, families of released Palestinian prisoners gathered to welcome their loved ones, with celebrations reported across the West Bank.

The ceasefire was implemented after much negotiation supported by Qatar, Jordan and the US, which saw some hope after 472 days of conflict and offered a temporary break in hostilities.

Further exchanges are expected in the coming weeks. Each Israeli hostage release is being exchanged for 30 Palestinian detainees under the agreement.

Both sides continue negotiations, with hopes of maintaining the fragile truce and advancing humanitarian efforts.