The hostages are the second set to be released since the multiphase agreement came into effect, raising hopes for a lasting end to the war.

IDF soldiers Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, held hostage by Hamas for 477 days, were released to Israel on Saturday.

Four female Israeli soldiers who were taken in the attack that sparked the war in Gaza have returned to Israel after Hamas militants paraded them before a crowd of thousands and handed them over to the Red Cross.

Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa and Naama Levy formed the second group of Israeli hostages to be released under the terms of a ceasefire deal. Flanked by Hamas militants, the four Israeli soldiers smiled and waved from a stage in Gaza City's Palestine Square before being led off to Red Cross.

Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers to the Red Cross in Gaza City, parading them publicly before their transfer, as part of a ceasefire agreement.

Four Israeli female soldiers held captive by Hamas for 477 days were released Saturday under the ongoing ceasefire agreement. Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag were paraded in Gaza City’s central square before being handed over to the Red Cross and eventually reunited with their families in Israel.