The United States on Saturday hailed the release of four Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip, calling on both sides to continue implementing the terms of the ceasefire.
Washington “celebrates the release of the four Israeli hostages held in captivity for 477 days. It is critical that the ceasefire implementation continues and that all of the hostages are freed from Hamas captivity and safely returned to their families,” according to a statement from the State Department.
“We continue to mourn the innocent lives lost at the hands of Hamas terrorism since Oct. 7, 2023,” it added.
Israelis on Saturday rejoiced at the return of four IDF soldiers—Karina Ariev, 20; Daniella Gilboa, 20; Naama Levy, 20; and Liri Albag, 19—who were abducted from the Nahal Oz base during the Hamas-led invasion of the northwestern Negev on Oct. 7, 2023.
In exchange, Jerusalem freed some 200 Palestinian terrorists (50 for each soldier—30 serving life sentences and 20 who were supposed to remain in prison for up to 15 years).
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hamas was supposed to free female civilian hostages before soldiers. One civilian woman, 29-year-old Arbel Yehud, remains in Gaza. Israel has stated that Gaza civilians will not be allowed to return to northern Gaza until she is released.
Shiri Bibas, 33, another female civilian hostage, was taken with her two young sons, and they are included on the list of the 33 hostages to be released during the first phase of the ceasefire. Hamas claimed in November that they had been killed.
Three civilian women—Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher—were released last Sunday in return for 90 terrorists (30 for each civilian) shortly after the ceasefire went into effect.
The White House on Saturday called for the release of all the remaining hostages held in Gaza.
“Today, the world celebrates as President [Donald] Trump secured the release of four more Israeli hostages who were, for far too long, held against their will by Hamas in horrific conditions. The United States will continue with its great partner Israel to push for the release of all remaining hostages and the pursuit of peace throughout the region,” the White House said.
