Hamas parades Israeli hostages at slick ceremony before release

Hamas fighters escort four Israeli hostages Naama Levy, Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa and Karina Ariev on a stage before handing them over to a team from the Red Cross in Gaza City on January 25, 2025. [AFP]

Clutching Hamas-branded gift bags and wearing military fatigues, the four Israeli hostages handed over by Hamas on Saturday to the Red Cross waved and gave thumbs up as they were paraded on stage before dozens of militants and a huge crowd.

An AFP reporter said hundreds of Gaza residents who gathered to watch the scene responded with cheers, whistles, and shouts before the women were escorted off stage and into the hands of the Red Cross.