Israel Secures Release of Four Female Soldiers in Second Swap with Hamas
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Synopsis
On January 25, Israel confirmed the release of four female soldiers by Hamas, a key event in the ongoing ceasefire with Gaza. The soldiers, after being held for 477 days, were transferred by the Red Cross and reunited with their families, marking a significant moment in ongoing negotiations.
Key Takeaways
- Four female soldiers released after 477 days of captivity.
- Transfer facilitated by the Red Cross.
- Celebrations erupted in Tel Aviv.
- Second prisoner exchange under the ceasefire agreement.
- Future exchanges planned for Palestinian prisoners.
Tel Aviv, Jan 25 (NationPress) Israel announced on Saturday the liberation of four female soldiers — Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag — by Hamas, representing a pivotal event in the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Gaza.
This release follows 477 days of captivity.
The soldiers were transferred to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet operatives in Gaza by the Red Cross and subsequently escorted to Israel for medical assessments and family reunions.
Sharing a photo of the female soldiers on social media, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stated, "After 477 days in hell. Standing strong, proud, tall, despite everything. This is the Israeli spirit."
The soldiers were depicted in military attire, standing on a podium and waving joyfully.
"IDF commanders and soldiers salute and embrace the returnees on their way to Israel," the forces expressed on social media.
The IDF also called upon the public to act responsibly and show sensitivity, respecting the privacy of the returnees and their families.
Earlier in the day, the announcement of the soldiers' release was met with cheers at Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, where large crowds assembled to celebrate their liberation.
On Friday, Hamas indicated that it would release the four Israeli women soldiers who had been taken hostage since the October 7 assaults from the Nahal Oz military base, located about a kilometer from the Gaza border.
This release also constitutes the second exchange under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Gaza.
According to the terms, following this release, Israel is required to free a group of Palestinian prisoners, though the specific number remains undisclosed.
Earlier on January 25, Hamas had transferred three Israeli hostages via the Red Cross to Israeli forces near the Gaza border, where they were reunited with their families.
In return, the initial group of 90 Palestinian prisoners, primarily women and children, from the West Bank and East Jerusalem, were handed to the Red Cross by Israel.
This release is part of a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Gaza, which includes plans for Israel to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange. The overarching goal is to ultimately cease hostilities and focus on Gaza's reconstruction.
As the initial phase of the agreement takes shape, both parties have cautiously moved toward peace, with hopes that the ceasefire will facilitate long-term stability in the region.
