Meanwhile, the November ceasefire in Lebanon is holding despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, which Israeli officials say are responses to ceasefire violations by the Iranian-backed militant group. Israeli forces also remain active inside the Syrian border region as victorious rebels there build a transitional government.
Tensions remain high between Israel and Iran after tit-for-tat long-range strikes in recent months and threats of further military action from both sides. The IDF and the Yemeni Houthis also continue to exchange attacks.
Families of hostages celebrate the release of 4 soldiers
The families of four soldiers who were being held hostage by Hamas are now celebrating the release of their loved ones.
"We are overjoyed and moved to see Naama standing strong and returning to us. Our hearts are with the Berger and Yehoud families who are still waiting for their loved ones. We will not rest until the last hostage returns," the family of Naama Levy said in a statement.
The families pledged to continue to support families of hostages still being held.
4:14
Father of Israeli-American hostage on latest releasesFather of Israeli-American hostage Johnathan Dekel-Chen discusses the latest hostage release as a part of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
ABCNews.com
"Our hearts are with the families of Arbel Yehoud, Agam Berger, the Bibas family, and all other hostages still waiting to return home. Our thoughts are with them, even in these moments of joy, and we are determined to fight until the last hostage returns home," the family of Liri Albag said in a statement.
Daniela Gilboa, Liri Elbag, Naama Levy and Karina Ariev are greeted by their parents after their release on Jan. 25, 2025.
IDF
Jan 25, 2025, 12:46 PM GMT
Israel Prison Service says Palestinian prisoners released
The Israeli Prison says it has released the Palestinian prisoners slated for release on Saturday as part of the hostage and prisoner release.
Video shows busses carrying the prisoners leaving Ofer prison and some of the busses driving into Ramallah in the West Bank, still making their way to their destination. Other buses, carrying prisoners who will be taken to Gaza, and some to Egypt, drove to the Kerem Shalom crossing.
One of the Palestinian prisoners released by Israel reacts while being carried on people's shoulders after disembarking off one of the buses of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) upon arrival in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, on Jan. 25, 2025.
Zain Jaafar/AFP via Getty Images
Prisoners being released into Gaza have not yet crossed the border, according to ABC News' producer on the ground.
"The Israel Prison Service concludes the second imprisoned terrorist release in accordance with the agreement for the return of the hostages, as part of operation " Wings of Freedom," read the statement from Israeli Prison Service Statement. "As part of Operation 'Derech Eretz,' 200 terrorists were transferred from several prisons across the country to the ‘Ofer’ and ‘Ktziot’ prisons, escorted by officers from the Israel Prison Service's 'Nahshon' Unit and with the assistance of the Israel Police.
One of the Palestinian prisoners released by Israel embraces a man while celebrating after disembarking off one of the buses of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) upon arrival in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, on Jan. 25, 2025.
Zain Jaafar/AFP via Getty Images
"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 prison officers of the Israel Prison Service are carrying out the release of the terrorists in accordance with the political directive, as agreed upon for the return of the hostages, and in full coordination with all security agencies," the statement said.
Jan 25, 2025, 10:54 AM GMT
Israel won't allow Palestinians to return to north Gaza until Israeli female civilian released
Israel says it won’t allow Palestinian civilians to return to northern Gaza until Hamas releases Israeli civilian Arbel Yehud, who Israel says was supposed to be freed Saturday as part of the agreement.
"Israel today received four female soldiers kidnapped from the Hamas terrorist organization, and in exchange will release security prisoners according to the agreed-upon key," read a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office. "In accordance with the agreement, Israel will not allow Gazans to cross into the northern Gaza Strip - until the release of civilian Arbel Yehud, who was supposed to be released today, is arranged."
Hamas has yet to comment on the situation.
Jan 25, 2025, 10:43 AM GMT
Returning hostages to undergo medical assessment after reuniting with families in Israel
A joint statement from the Israel Defense Forces and the Israel Security agency confirms that the four newly released hostages have been “reunited with their parents” in southern Israel and “will undergo an initial medical assessment” at a local hospital.
"The four returning hostages - Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, and Karina Ariev - have arrived at the initial reception point in southern Israel where they are being reunited with their parents," the statement said.
"IDF officers from the Manpower Directorate and IDF medical officials are accompanying the returning hostages, and they will undergo an initial medical assessment. IDF representatives are accompanying their families waiting at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information."