Hamas Releases Four Israeli Soldiers as Part of Ceasefire Deal
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Hamas released four female Israeli soldiers from Gaza on Saturday as part of a ceasefire deal, handing them over to Red Cross officials at Palestine Square in Gaza City.
In exchange for this release, Israel is expected to free 200 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
Ahead of the transfer, masked Hamas fighters gathered at the square, joined by a large crowd of Palestinians. In addition to Hamas members, representatives from other Palestinian factions, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, were also present.
Documents were signed by representatives of the Red Cross and a Hamas fighter prior to the release.
Hamas identified the soldiers as Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag. The four, dressed in Israeli military uniforms, waved to the crowd as they were released.
Ibrahim Al Khaliji, reporting for Al Jazeera from Gaza City, described the moment as "historic."
The Israeli army confirmed later that day it had received the soldiers from the Red Cross, stating they would undergo medical assessments.
As part of the agreement, Israeli forces are also expected to withdraw from the Netzarim Corridor, which will allow hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in northern Gaza.
Additionally, Israel is expected to open the Rafah border crossing in the south to allow more humanitarian aid and commercial supplies to enter.
Al Jazeera's Hind Khoudary, reporting from Gaza's Bureij refugee camp, noted that many Palestinians see the exchange as a critical step toward their return to northern Gaza.