jordan pulse -

Amman—The four Israeli soldiers released from captivity in Gaza on Saturday described their experience as life-threatening and filled with "intense fear" due to heavy Israeli bombardment near their detention sites.

Family members of the freed soldiers told Channel 12 that the detainees reported being held in locations very close to areas targeted by Israeli airstrikes during the 15-month conflict. The soldiers expressed terror over the relentless bombing campaigns and stated that they were frequently moved between houses and tunnels to ensure their safety.

Following their release, Israeli army doctors assessed the soldiers and declared their health "excellent," denying claims that they had been administered stimulants or sedatives while in captivity. This contradicts earlier Israeli allegations that Hamas gave detainees drugs to make them appear happy before their release.

Hamas previously warned that Israeli airstrikes on Gaza had killed dozens of captives and nearly caused the deaths of others.

On Saturday, as part of the second phase of a prisoner exchange deal, Palestinian resistance forces in Gaza handed over four female Israeli soldiers to the Red Cross. The transfer took place in a central Gaza location, with a significant presence of resistance members, including Al-Qassam Brigades and Saraya Al-Quds, as well as large crowds of Palestinians.

The soldiers, dressed in Israeli military uniforms, were seen on a platform before being handed over to Red Cross officials.

Abu Obeida, spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, had earlier announced the names of the released soldiers, stating: "As part of the Al-Aqsa Flood prisoner exchange deal, Al-Qassam Brigades have decided to release Karina Ariev, Danielle Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Elbaz."

Ahead of the transfer, Gaza witnessed a significant deployment of resistance forces, particularly Al-Qassam Brigades, who secured the city during the operation.