As part of the ceasefire agreement with Israel, Hamas releases four more hostages.

Israel’s Tel Aviv — The four female soldiers who were taken hostage during the October 7, 2023, invasion of southern Israel by Hamas militants in Gaza have regained their freedom.

According to the Israeli military, Liri Albag, 19, Karina Ariev, 20, Daniella Gilboa, 20, and Naama Levy, 20, were given to International Committee of the Red Cross officials in Gaza on Saturday morning before being taken to an Israeli convoy and driven across the border into Israel.

The Israeli military reported shortly after that the hostages had entered Israel.

In a military-style ceremony organized by Hamas, the transfer to the Red Cross was made in Gaza City’s Palestine Square. Around the square were phalanxes of uniformed, armed combatants with distinctive green headbands and black balaclavas. Spectators brandished Hamas and Palestinian flags as they clambered on debris and damaged cars to get a glimpse.

Last Sunday’s initial hostage handover, in which three Israeli civilian women were freed amid a rowdy crowd, contrasted sharply with the Hamas-organized event.

The four young women, who were in their pajamas when they were taken captive 476 days ago, were paraded in soldiers’ uniforms onto a stage at the head of the square in Gaza City. Behind them banners with slogans condemned Israel.

During a brief appearance, two hostages held each other’s hands. Some smiled and waved, raising their arms and giving a thumbs up in front of the crowd. The proceeding was broadcast live, including on Israeli television.

The women were freed as part of a deal mediated by the U.S., Qatar and Egypt, which brought about a six-week ceasefire that began last Sunday after more than 15 months of war in Gaza. It went ahead despite anger in Israel that Hamas still held civilians despite agreeing in the ceasefire deal to release them before soldiers.