Hamas hands over four Israeli captives to Red Cross in Gaza

The four soldiers - Karina Ariev, Daniela Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag - were stationed at an observation post on the outskirts of Gaza and were captured by Hamas fighters when they overran the base during the attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023. They were among around 250 captives seized that day.
"The four returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF [Israeli military] special forces and ISA [Shin Bet internal intelligence agency] forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment," the military said.
According to the terms of the agreement, Israel is expected to free 50 Palestinian prisoners for every Israeli female soldier released, including 30 sentenced to life and 20 serving long sentences. Seventy prisoners will be deported to Egypt and Turkey.
In southern Gaza, the European Hospital in Khan Younis was preparing to receive Palestinian prisoners expected to be released into the enclave, according to Middle East Eye correspondent Ahmed Abu Aziz, reporting from the hospital.
The hospital is located near the Karem Abu Salem crossing, where Palestinian prisoners are set to be transferred into Gaza.
Saturday's scheduled exchange will mark the second swap since the ceasefire took effect on 19 January, during which Hamas released three Israeli female civilians in return for 90 Palestinian prisoners.