Hamas gunmen have lined the streets of Gaza as four Israeli hostages have been released.

The second hostage and prisoner release has taken place and the four women were handed over to the Red Cross.

The hostages released are female soldiers Karina Ariev, 20, Daniella Gilboa, 20, Naama Levy, 20, and Liri Albag, 19.

The four hostages have now officially been transferred to the Israeli Defence Forces, the military has said in a statement.

Writing on X, the IDF said:

"The four returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment."

"The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel."

"The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks everyone to respect the privacy of the returning hostages and their families."

This is the moment the four Israeli hostages are brought to a stage in Palestine Square

During the handover, the women were marched over to a stage in Palestine Square where they held hands and waved to the crowd.

Karina, Daniella, Naama and Liri were taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, from a military base at the Israel Gaza border.

Israelis in Hostage Square in Tel-Aviv are crying and cheering at the return of the four women.

Their families are waiting at the Gaza border to welcome them home to Israel.

Hamas gunmen line street as four hostages released

The Red Cross will take them for health checks before they are reunited with their families.

In return, around 200 Palestinian prisoners will be released from Israeli jails.

Palestine Square in Gaza City is full of Hamas terrorists as well as civilians who are gathered reportedly shouting “Allahu Akbar”.

The Red Cross and Israeli police are waiting outside Ofer prison in the West Bank preparing for the release of detained Palestinians.