In a significant development amid the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners. The swap took place under the ceasefire agreement, marking the second exchange since the truce began. The four Israeli soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—were freed in Gaza City, surrounded by Palestinians and Hamas fighters. After the release, the soldiers were transported by the Red Cross to Israeli forces.
In return, 200 Palestinian prisoners, including militants convicted of deadly attacks, were released from Israeli prisons. The prisoners were greeted by cheering crowds in both Tel Aviv and Ramallah. However, the release was marred by the absence of Arbel Yehud, a female civilian hostage who was expected to be freed but was not included. Israel has accused Hamas of breaching the truce, but Hamas cited a technical issue and promised Yehud’s release in the following exchange.
This release is part of a larger ceasefire agreement, which aims to negotiate further releases of hostages and the eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Despite the progress, 90 hostages still remain in Gaza, and concerns persist about the fragile nature of the truce, as some Israeli officials push for resumed military action.
