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Hamas handed over four Israeli soldiers Saturday morning in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, the second such swap under the cease-fire deal.
The International Committee of the Red Cross collected the hostages from Hamas fighters in Gaza on Saturday morning.
Crowds gathered in Gaza City where the exchange took place. In Tel Aviv, Israelis watched nervously as their release was broadcast in a public square.
Hamas fighters presented the hostages to the crowds, who were waving Palestinian flags. The Israelis, all aged 19 or 20, flashed smiles and peace signs. The highly choreographed presentation was a show of force and organization by Hamas.
In a statement, the Israeli military confirmed the hostages had crossed the border and entered Israeli territory.
Hamas had announced the names of the soldiers — all women — on Friday. Karina Arif, Daniel Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Elbag had been in captivity since Oct. 7, 2023.
Reuters reported that Israel would free 200 Palestinian prisoners in return.
The swap is the second time hostages have been released under the terms of a cease-fire deal that has temporarily halted the 15-month-long war.
Under the terms of the deal, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and Hamas will hand over 33 hostages. Hamas is believed to hold around 100 Israelis.
The Israeli military said the freed hostages would receive medical care upon their return from Gaza, before being transferred to hospitals and reunited with their families.
