Four Female Soldiers Return to Israel After 477 Days in Captivity by Hamas Terrorists in Exchange for 200 Palestinian Convicted Criminals

Four female soldiers held hostage by Hamas terrorists for 477 days - Karina Aryev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag - were released by the terrorist group on Saturday. Prior to their release, Hamas terrorists paraded them through Gaza City's city square before handing them over to the Red Cross.

They smiled and waved to the large crowd that Hamas had gathered in the square, walking calmly with their captors to the stage. 

‘These lionesses of Davidic greatness have come to write a message to the world: no one can break our will and our love of life,’ said Colonel Avichai Adrae, the Arabic-speaking spokesman for the IDF, on Platform X. 

The release was the second group of hostages released under the latest ceasefire and hostage agreement. Later, Israel was to release 200 Palestinian prisoners, including dozens serving life sentences for murder and terror.

Crowds of Palestinians gathered early in the morning in the same central Gaza City square where 24-year-old Romi Gonen, 28-year-old Emily Damari and 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher were released last week.

However, the chaotic scenes of that release were not repeated, and Saturday's show was largely directed by Hamas.

Dozens of armed and masked Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters formed a cordon around the stage, which was set up in the square. A drone could be seen distributing candy to members of the crowd.

After the Red Cross vehicle arrived, the four hostages were brought to the square in separate cars. Dressed in olive clothing similar to IDF uniforms and carrying ‘gift bags’ from Hamas, the young women were led to a stage decorated with English and Arabic slogans.