The Israeli military has confirmed that the four hostages, who are all soldiers, have arrived in southern Israel.

Israel-Hamas complete second hostage-prisoner swap

The latest developments from West Asia: A second part of hostage exchanges under the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement with Israel. Hamas has released four Israeli women hostages, whose names were released on Friday, from Gaza. Clutching Hamas-branded gift bags and wearing military fatigues, the four Israeli hostages—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag—were handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross. They waved and even gave thumbs up as they were paraded on stage before dozens of militants and a huge crowd. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal: Israel bars Palestinians from returning to North Gaza

Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal: Chorus to release all hostages

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Israel Begins Releasing Palestinian Prisoners

The White House is calling for Israeli troops to stay on in Lebanon past the ceasefire deadline set for Monday. The aim is to complete Israel's military objectives and support Lebanon's new government. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the withdrawal will not be completed on time, arguing that Lebanon has failed to meet its obligations under the deal. Watch in for more details!

White House pushes to extend Israeli troop presence in Lebanon

Israel-Hamas ceasefire: Israel begins releasing 200 Palestinian prisoners as part of deal

The US, the largest donor of foreign aid globally, made a dramatic move by freezing nearly all overseas assistance, with only a few exceptions such as emergency food aid and military funding for Israel and Egypt. This decision followed an internal memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which was issued just days after President Donald Trump's inauguration. Watch in for more details!

US limits overseas assistance under 'America First' policy

Israel on Saturday (Jan 25) released 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange of release of four Israeli hostages by Hamas, as per the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, AFP reported citing Israel's prison service.&nbsp;
"After the conclusion of the necessary activities in the prisons and the approval of political authorities, all the terrorists were released from the Ofer and Ktziot prisons," the statement read, adding that a total of 200 prisoners had been freed.
Crowds of Palestinians were seen in joy as freed prisoners reach Ramalla, according to the AFP report.&nbsp;
Initially, Israel released 70 Palestinian prisoners into Egypt out of the 200 who were supposed to be released, according to the Egypt&rsquo;s state-run Qahera TV reported.&nbsp;
This comes after Hamas released four Israeli hostages, identified as Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag.
The 200 Palestinians prisoners include long-serving inmates and others with lengthy sentences.&nbsp;
Israel will be deporting 70 of these prisoners outside of Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Among those 200 prisoners, Israel is also releasing a Palestinian inmate who has spent the longest continuous period in Israeli detention, Mohammed al-Tous.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-allow-palestinians-to-return-north-gaza-until-hamas-releases-female-civilian-hostage-warns-netanyahu-8653134" rel="dofollow">'Won't allow Palestinians to return north Gaza until Hamas releases female civilian hostage,' warns Netanyahu</a>
Tous, 69, was jailed for nearly four decades, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club advocacy group.
He is a member of Fatah, the movement founded by late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Tous was on the list of detainees to be released in exchange for four Israeli hostages released on Saturday by Hamas, the NGO told AFP.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-four-female-israeli-soldiers-released-in-second-hostage-exchange-between-israel-and-hamas-8652476" rel="dofollow">Gaza ceasefire: Four female Israeli soldiers released in second hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas</a>
After the exchange is done, Israeli forces are set to withdraw from Gaza's Netzarim Corridor, paving the way for displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in the north of the enclave.&nbsp;
Israel said that Palestinians who have been convicted of killing Israelis should be permanently deported if they are freed under the hostage-ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;
Moreover, they would not be allowed to return to homes in the West Bank or Gaza.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-fake-hamas-attack-staged-in-israel-kfar-saba-hamas-8647184" rel="dofollow"> 'I was so scared&hellip;': Fake Hamas attack staged in Israel to protest Gaza ceasefire stirs panic</a>
<h2>Hamas released four Israeli hostages</h2>
Earlier in the day, Hamas released four Israeli hostages, identified as Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag.
The soldiers were members of an all-female surveillance unit stationed near Nahal Oz on the Gaza border and were responsible for monitoring activity in the area when they were taken hostage during the Hamas terror attack of 7 October 2023.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-military-chief-herzi-halevi-resigns-over-failure-to-prevent-oct-7-hamas-attack-8642668" rel="dofollow">Israel's military chief Herzi Halevi resigns over failure to prevent Oct 7 Hamas attack</a>
All four hostages have met with their parents at an IDF facility near Re'im, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a televised statement.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Among those 200 prisoners, Israel is also releasing a Palestinian inmate who has spent the longest continuous period in Israeli detention, Mohammed al-Tous. 

Israel on Saturday (Jan 25) released 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange of release of four Israeli hostages by Hamas, as per the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, AFP reported citing Israel's prison service. "After the conclusion of the necessary activities in the prisons and the approval of political authorities, all the terrorists were released from the Ofer and Ktziot prisons," the statement read, adding that a total of 200 prisoners had been freed. Crowds of Palestinians were seen in joy as freed prisoners reach Ramalla, according to the AFP report. Initially, Israel released 70 Palestinian prisoners into Egypt out of the 200 who were supposed to be released, according to the Egypt’s state-run Qahera TV reported. This comes after Hamas released four Israeli hostages, identified as Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag. The 200 Palestinians prisoners include long-serving inmates and others with lengthy sentences. Israel will be deporting 70 of these prisoners outside of Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Among those 200 prisoners, Israel is also releasing a Palestinian inmate who has spent the longest continuous period in Israeli detention, Mohammed al-Tous. Also read: 'Won't allow Palestinians to return north Gaza until Hamas releases female civilian hostage,' warns Netanyahu Tous, 69, was jailed for nearly four decades, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club advocacy group. He is a member of Fatah, the movement founded by late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Tous was on the list of detainees to be released in exchange for four Israeli hostages released on Saturday by Hamas, the NGO told AFP. Also read: Gaza ceasefire: Four female Israeli soldiers released in second hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas After the exchange is done, Israeli forces are set to withdraw from Gaza's Netzarim Corridor, paving the way for displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in the north of the enclave. Israel said that Palestinians who have been convicted of killing Israelis should be permanently deported if they are freed under the hostage-ceasefire agreement. Moreover, they would not be allowed to return to homes in the West Bank or Gaza. Also read: 'I was so scared…': Fake Hamas attack staged in Israel to protest Gaza ceasefire stirs panic Hamas released four Israeli hostages Earlier in the day, Hamas released four Israeli hostages, identified as Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag. The soldiers were members of an all-female surveillance unit stationed near Nahal Oz on the Gaza border and were responsible for monitoring activity in the area when they were taken hostage during the Hamas terror attack of 7 October 2023. Also read: Israel's military chief Herzi Halevi resigns over failure to prevent Oct 7 Hamas attack All four hostages have met with their parents at an IDF facility near Re'im, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a televised statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel releases 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange of four female soldiers released by Hamas

Israel will not allow Palestinians to return to the northern Gaza Strip until Hamas arranges the release of female civilian hostage, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.&nbsp;
The Israeli female hostage Arbel Yehud was scheduled to be released today as per the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gaza-ceasefire" rel="dofollow">ceasefire agreement</a>.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Israel has received four female hostage soldiers from the Hamas terrorist group today, and in return will release security prisoners&rdquo; according to the deal, the PMO said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-four-female-israeli-soldiers-released-in-second-hostage-exchange-between-israel-and-hamas-8652476" rel="dofollow">Gaza ceasefire: Four female Israeli soldiers released in second hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas</a>
&ldquo;In accordance with the agreement, Israel will not allow the passage of Gazans to the north of the Gaza Strip, until the arrangement of the release of civilian Arbel Yehud, who was supposed to be released today,&rdquo; the PMO statement added.&nbsp;
This further means that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will not be withdrawing from part of the Netzarim Corridor tomorrow.
According to the deal, Israel was supposed to withdraw from the northern half of the corridor on day seven of the ceasefire agreement, allowing Palestinians to return to north Gaza via the coastal road.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-names-of-four-hostages-to-be-released-on-jan-25-8651144" rel="dofollow">Hamas releases names of 4 hostages to be released tomorrow, Israel accuses group of violating truce deal terms</a>
<h2>Arbel Yehud to be released next Saturday&nbsp;</h2>
An official from the Hamas group told Reuters that mediators have been informed that the female hostage Arbel Yehud is alive and will be released next Saturday.&nbsp;
Israel accused Hamas of violating the deal by releasing female hostage soldiers before all of the living civilian women captives.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/eurovision-2025-hamas-attack-survivor-to-represent-israel-at-song-contest-8648133" rel="dofollow">Eurovision 2025: Hamas attack survivor to represent Israel at song contest</a>
<h2>Hamas released four hostage female soldiers</h2>
This comes after Hamas on Saturday released four hostage female soldiers, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy.&nbsp;
The soldiers were members of an all-female surveillance unit stationed near Nahal Oz on the Gaza border and were responsible for monitoring activity in the area when they were taken hostage during the Hamas terror attack of October 7, 2023.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Israel was supposed to withdraw from the northern half of the corridor on day seven of the ceasefire, allowing Palestinians to return to north Gaza via the coastal road. 

Israel will not allow Palestinians to return to the northern Gaza Strip until Hamas arranges the release of female civilian hostage, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. The Israeli female hostage Arbel Yehud was scheduled to be released today as per the ceasefire agreement. “Israel has received four female hostage soldiers from the Hamas terrorist group today, and in return will release security prisoners” according to the deal, the PMO said. Also read: Gaza ceasefire: Four female Israeli soldiers released in second hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas “In accordance with the agreement, Israel will not allow the passage of Gazans to the north of the Gaza Strip, until the arrangement of the release of civilian Arbel Yehud, who was supposed to be released today,” the PMO statement added. This further means that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will not be withdrawing from part of the Netzarim Corridor tomorrow. According to the deal, Israel was supposed to withdraw from the northern half of the corridor on day seven of the ceasefire agreement, allowing Palestinians to return to north Gaza via the coastal road. Also read: Hamas releases names of 4 hostages to be released tomorrow, Israel accuses group of violating truce deal terms Arbel Yehud to be released next Saturday An official from the Hamas group told Reuters that mediators have been informed that the female hostage Arbel Yehud is alive and will be released next Saturday. Israel accused Hamas of violating the deal by releasing female hostage soldiers before all of the living civilian women captives. Also read: Eurovision 2025: Hamas attack survivor to represent Israel at song contest Hamas released four hostage female soldiers This comes after Hamas on Saturday released four hostage female soldiers, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy. The soldiers were members of an all-female surveillance unit stationed near Nahal Oz on the Gaza border and were responsible for monitoring activity in the area when they were taken hostage during the Hamas terror attack of October 7, 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

'Won't allow Palestinians to return to north Gaza until Hamas releases female civilian hostage,' warns Netanyahu

Hamas on Friday afternoon published the names of four female Israeli hostages who it said it would release on Saturday after 477 days in captivity.

Hamas releases list of four Israeli women hostages to be freed under ceasefire deal

Hamas has announced it will release four female Israeli hostages on Saturday, marking a crucial step in the ceasefire agreement with Israel. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas to free 4 female hostages after 477 days in captivity

While a truce holds in Gaza, Israel has escalated its military actions in the West Bank, raising tensions in the region and complicating efforts for lasting peace.

Israel-Gaza War: Israel's Crackdown On West Bank Amid Gaza Truce

For the first time in 15 months, Gaza's skies are free of airstrikes, marking a significant shift in the Israel-Gaza conflict and raising hopes for a lasting ceasefire.

Israel-Gaza War: Gaza skies free of airstrikes after 15 months

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (Jan 24) said that Israel will not complete its full withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Sunday, which marks the 60-day deadline set under the ceasefire deal in November.&nbsp;
This comes after the Israeli security cabinet held a meeting last night and got an overview of the situation.
&ldquo;The IDF&rsquo;s withdrawal process is conditional on the Lebanese Army deploying in southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, while Hezbollah withdraws beyond the Litani," Netanyahu office said in a statement.&nbsp;
Originally, the 60-day deadline was set to get expired on January 26.&nbsp;
It added that since Lebanon has not yet fully enforced its obligations under the ceasefire, "the phased withdrawal process will continue, in full coordination with the United States.&rdquo;
Netanyahu said that the terms of the deal were worded &ldquo;with the understanding that the withdrawal process may continue beyond 60 days.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-elects-army-chief-joseph-aoun-as-president-amid-west-asia-unrest-8605349" rel="dofollow">Who is Joseph Aoun? Lebanon&rsquo;s new US-backed President</a>
Earlier in the day, an unnamed senior Israeli official said that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/israel-0" rel="dofollow">Israel </a>is likely to keep troops stationed in parts of southern Lebanon beyond the given deadline. However, the security cabinet has yet to make a decision, Hebrew media outlet Ynet reported.&nbsp;
As per the ceasefire's terms, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had to cede all positions in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese Armed Forces by January 26.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icj-judge-nawaf-salam-appointed-as-lebanon-prime-minister-by-president-joseph-aoun-8619298" rel="dofollow">ICJ judge Nawaf Salam appointed as Lebanon Prime Minister by President Joseph Aoun</a>
However, Israel earlier asked for a 30-day extension, saying that the Lebanese army has deployed too slowly across the region, allowing Hezbollah time to regroup.
The Israeli official, before the cabinet meeting, said that the withdrawal would not be fully carried out by Sunday, adding that the IDF would instead keep its troops stationed in certain areas for some time.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-new-lebanon-president-will-help-achieve-stability-says-israel-8605572" rel="dofollow">West Asia crisis: Hope new Lebanon president will help achieve 'stability,' says Israel</a>
The official further stressed that if it were to do so, it would be in coordination with US President Donald Trump's administration.&nbsp;
This comes after Army Radio reported on Thursday that Trump was less inclined to grant a 30-day reprieve than was his predecessor Joe Biden and wants Israeli troops to withdraw completely by Sunday.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Israeli PM Netanyahu said that the terms of the deal were worded “with the understanding that the withdrawal process may continue beyond 60 days.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (Jan 24) said that Israel will not complete its full withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Sunday, which marks the 60-day deadline set under the ceasefire deal in November. This comes after the Israeli security cabinet held a meeting last night and got an overview of the situation. “The IDF’s withdrawal process is conditional on the Lebanese Army deploying in southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, while Hezbollah withdraws beyond the Litani," Netanyahu office said in a statement. Originally, the 60-day deadline was set to get expired on January 26. It added that since Lebanon has not yet fully enforced its obligations under the ceasefire, "the phased withdrawal process will continue, in full coordination with the United States.” Netanyahu said that the terms of the deal were worded “with the understanding that the withdrawal process may continue beyond 60 days.” Also read: Who is Joseph Aoun? Lebanon’s new US-backed President Earlier in the day, an unnamed senior Israeli official said that Israel is likely to keep troops stationed in parts of southern Lebanon beyond the given deadline. However, the security cabinet has yet to make a decision, Hebrew media outlet Ynet reported. As per the ceasefire's terms, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had to cede all positions in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese Armed Forces by January 26. Also read: ICJ judge Nawaf Salam appointed as Lebanon Prime Minister by President Joseph Aoun However, Israel earlier asked for a 30-day extension, saying that the Lebanese army has deployed too slowly across the region, allowing Hezbollah time to regroup. The Israeli official, before the cabinet meeting, said that the withdrawal would not be fully carried out by Sunday, adding that the IDF would instead keep its troops stationed in certain areas for some time. Also read: West Asia crisis: Hope new Lebanon president will help achieve 'stability,' says Israel The official further stressed that if it were to do so, it would be in coordination with US President Donald Trump's administration. This comes after Army Radio reported on Thursday that Trump was less inclined to grant a 30-day reprieve than was his predecessor Joe Biden and wants Israeli troops to withdraw completely by Sunday. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel won't completely withdraw from Lebanon by Sunday deadline, says PM Netanyahu

In the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, Israel has confirmed a military raid in Jenin aimed at dismantling Iranian-backed militant groups operating in the region, as tensions escalate in the Middle East.

Israel-Gaza War: Israel confirms raid in Jenin to target Iranian-backed militant

The Israeli military continues its ‘Iron Wall’ operation in the West Bank, targeting militant groups and aiming to counter-terrorism. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Hundreds of Palestinians flee homes in Jenin amid Israeli raid

Israel's 'iron wall' operation kills 12 Palestinians, so far

After ceasefire in Gaza, Israeli army embarks on a deadly raid on West Bank. Two Palestinians killed in Jenin refugee camp in an assault by Israeli soldiers. IDF confirmed killings, claiming the two were affiliated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Raids are part of Israel’s Iron Wall campaign, launched just days after Gaza truce. Locals say military assault has rendered the Jenin refugee camp ‘nearly uninhabitable’. Watch in for more details!

After ceasefire in Gaza, Israeli army embarks on a deadly raid on West Bank

Israeli army continues deadly raid in Jenin for 4th day

Israel confirms raid in Jenin to dismantle Iranian-backed militants

The war that raged in Gaza has subsided, but the battlefield seems to have shifted to the West Bank. There has been a sharp escalation in Israeli military operations and settler aggression in the West Bank.

Israel-Gaza War: War shifts from Gaza to West Bank

Israel continues 'iron wall' operation in West Bank

The Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi after announcing his resignation over the failure to prevent the October 7th, 2023 attacks has called for an external probe to look into the Army's failures. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: IDF Chief Halevi seeks external probe into Oct 7 attack

The Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi after announcing his resignation over the failure to prevent the October 7th 2023 attacks has called for an external probe to look into the Army's failures. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: IDF military chief calls for external probe into October 7 attack

The Israeli military has confirmed the killing of one terrorist in Gaza as it responded to ceasefire violations. The incident comes amid rising tensions, with Israeli forces carrying out strikes in retaliation for violations of the ceasefire agreement. The ongoing situation highlights the fragile peace in the region. 
On Wednesday, top officials from the US, Israel, and Egypt reportedly began discussions for the second stage of the Gaza hostage ceasefire deal, some two weeks ahead of the scheduled date. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas ceasefire: Top officials begin discussions for second stage of deal

Israel keeps up 'Iron Wall' operation in west bank . Watch in for more details!

Israel keeps up 'Iron Wall' operation in west bank

The Israeli military has confirmed the killing of one terrorist in Gaza as it responded to ceasefire violations. The incident comes amid rising tensions, with Israeli forces carrying out strikes in retaliation for violations of the ceasefire agreement. The ongoing situation highlights the fragile peace in the region.

Israeli military kills an Islamic jihad militant in Gaza

At least 10 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 40 injured by Israeli forces during a major operation in the Jenin area of West Bank.

Do Netanyahu, Hamas need war to survive?

The Israeli army is continuing its military operation in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin. Watch this report for more details!

Israel conducts military operation in West Bank

A Moroccan national holding a US green card launched a terror stabbing spree in Tel Aviv, injuring four people before being apprehended.

Tel Aviv stabbing attacker shot dead By security forces

The ceasefire between Israel and Gaza holds steady as Gaza reveals the staggering human and infrastructural toll of the recent conflict.

Israel-Gaza ceasefire deal holds as Gaza uncovers devastating war toll

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