SEAToday.com, Gaza City - The Palestinian resistance group Hamas released four female Israeli soldiers on Saturday as part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and a prisoner exchange deal with Israel.

The four soldiers, dressed in Israeli military uniforms, were seen smiling and waving as they were handed over to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at Palestine Square in Gaza City.

The Israeli military confirmed that the soldiers had been received by their forces in Gaza before being transferred to Israel. After medical examinations, the military stated that their physical condition was relatively good and required no special medical intervention.

“Their medical condition is stable with no issues requiring immediate treatment,” a military official stated.

Thousands of Palestinians gathered at the site to witness the handover, alongside dozens of members of Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades.

The four released soldiers were identified as Liri Albag (19), Daniella Gilboa (20), Karina Ariev (20), and Naama Levy (20). They were part of the military surveillance unit at the Nahal Oz base.

The handover process was completed after ICRC representatives signed official documents, formalizing the release.

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari described the handover as “a propaganda act,” emphasizing that their mission would not be complete until all Israeli hostages were safely returned.

In return, 200 Palestinian prisoners are scheduled to be released by Israel.

The six-week ceasefire, which began on January 19, aims to halt Israel’s attacks that have killed over 47,300 Palestinians—mostly women and children—and injured more than 111,400 people since October 7, 2023.

The agreement consists of three phases, including prisoner exchanges and efforts to establish a permanent ceasefire, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Israel’s attacks have left thousands missing, caused widespread destruction, and triggered a humanitarian crisis, primarily affecting the elderly and children, making it one of the worst global humanitarian disasters.

In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Israel is also facing genocide charges at the International Court of Justice over its military operations in the region.