Sat Jan 25 09:40:30 UTC 2025: ## Four Israeli Soldiers Released in Gaza Hostage Swap

**Gaza City, January 25, 2025** – Four Israeli female soldiers, captured during Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, were released in Gaza City today as part of a prisoner exchange facilitated by Egypt. The release marks a significant step in the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, following a devastating year-long conflict.

The soldiers, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, were paraded before a large crowd in Palestine Square before being handed over to the Red Cross. While they appeared to smile and wave, previous accounts from released hostages suggest such displays were made under duress.

Simultaneously, Israel released 70 of the 200 Palestinian prisoners slated for release under the truce agreement. These prisoners, according to Egyptian state media, will not be permitted to return to Gaza or the West Bank. Celebrations erupted in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square as the release was broadcast live.

However, the exchange is not without complication. The release of civilian hostage Arbel Yehoud, expected today, was delayed. Hamas officials indicated she will be released next week, a statement downplayed by Egyptian mediators as a “minor issue.” Israel has postponed the planned return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza until Yehoud is freed.

The current ceasefire, which began January 19, 2025, followed a devastating war that left tens of thousands dead, mostly Palestinians, and displaced a vast majority of Gaza’s population. While the release of the four soldiers brought jubilation to many in Israel, concerns remain for the remaining hostages, including Agam Berger, another soldier captured alongside the four released. The fate of the Bibas family, also held hostage, is also uncertain. The long-term implications of the ceasefire remain to be seen.

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