Hamas fighters introduced the hostages to the crowds, who had been waving Palestinian flags. The Israelis, all aged 19 or 20, flashed smiles and peace indicators. The extremely choreographed presentation was a present of pressure and group by Hamas.
In a press release, the Israeli army confirmed the hostages had crossed the border and entered Israeli territory.
Hamas had introduced the names of the troopers — all girls — 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 launched underneath the phrases of a cease-fire deal that has briefly halted the 15-month-long warfare.
Underneath the phrases of the deal, Israel will launch lots of of Palestinian prisoners and Hamas will hand over 33 hostages. Hamas is believed to carry round 100 Israelis.
The Israeli army mentioned the freed hostages would obtain medical care upon their return from Gaza, earlier than being transferred to hospitals and reunited with their households.
