Hamas Releases Four Female Israeli Soldiers in Truce Deal

Web Desk — Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Saturday, by a ceasefire agreement aimed at securing the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons.

As part of the prisoner exchange, buses carrying Palestinian detainees left two Israeli prisons: Ofer in the occupied West Bank and Ktziot in the Negev Desert. The truce deal stipulates that Israel will release 50 Palestinian prisoners for each Israeli soldier freed. Among those released are 30 individuals sentenced to life and 20 others serving long prison terms. Additionally, 70 Palestinian prisoners will be deported to Egypt and Turkey.

The four Israeli female soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—had been stationed at an observation post on the outskirts of Gaza before being captured by Hamas fighters during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. They were part of a group of approximately 250 captives taken on that day.

The Gaza European Hospital, located in southern Khan Younis, is preparing to receive Palestinian prisoners expected to be released into Gaza, according to Ahmed Abu Aziz, a correspondent for Middle East Eye. Mustafa Bakri, the hospital’s deputy managing director, confirmed preparations to accommodate the prisoners. “A dedicated medical team has been assigned to care for the released prisoners, and we have set up a special space for those unable to reunite with their families,” he said.

This exchange marks the second swap since the ceasefire began on January 19. The first exchange saw Hamas release three Israeli female civilians in return for 90 Palestinian prisoners.

The four Israeli soldiers were reunited with their families at an Israeli military base near the Gaza border, as confirmed by Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari. Israel had expected the release of another Israeli civilian, Arbel Yehud, on Saturday; however, Hamas informed mediators that her release would occur next week.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement confirming that Israel would not allow Gazans to move to the northern part of Gaza until the release of Arbel Yehud was finalized.

The Israeli military is also set to withdraw from the northern section of the Netzarim Corridor, located in central Gaza, allowing Palestinians to return to the northern Gaza area along the coastal road.