Four female Israeli soldiers captured during the attack that ignited the Gaza conflict were released by Hamas on Saturday and returned to Israel. The handover, facilitated by the Red Cross, was part of a prisoner exchange under a fragile ceasefire. In return, Israel freed 200 Palestinian detainees, including individuals convicted of deadly attacks.
The exchange took place in Gaza City, where the four soldiers were paraded before a large crowd in Palestine Square. Hamas militants, masked and armed, stood alongside the hostages as part of a public display.
The released Israelis later crossed into Israel, while thousands gathered in Ramallah to celebrate the return of the Palestinian prisoners. Some of the freed prisoners wore Hamas headbands and were greeted with cheers as they arrived in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Israel’s Prison Service confirmed the release of the Palestinian detainees, including 121 individuals serving life sentences. The exchange is the second under the ceasefire agreement brokered by international mediators.
The deal faced a significant challenge on Saturday as Israel announced it would delay allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza. Israeli officials cited the failure of Hamas to release a civilian hostage, Arbel Yehoud, as previously agreed. Hundreds of Palestinians had gathered near the Netzarim corridor, waiting to return north when Israeli forces reportedly shot and killed a Palestinian man. Palestinian medical officials confirmed the fatality, but Israel’s military has not commented.
The ceasefire, while holding, remains fragile as both sides navigate the complex terms of the agreement. The situation continues to unfold under the watchful eyes of international mediators and humanitarian organizations.
