Palestinian fighters Hamas on Saturday released four (4) Israeli female soldiers to the Red Cross in Gaza City.
Hamas first paraded them in front of the crowd before handing them pver.
In return, Israel will release 200 Palestinian prisoners later today as part of the fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square hundreds gathered to watch the developments on a big screen and erupted in cheers when the handover happened.
Aviv Bercovich, one of the onlookers described the moment as crazy and hopes the war is over.
Israel confirmed the soldiers are in their custody shortly after they were handed over by the Red Cross.
This is the second prisoner swap since the ceasefire started last weekend which aims to calm down the deadliest war between Israel and Hamas. The truce has so far reduced the airstrikes and the rocket fire and allowed aid to enter Gaza.
The released Israeli soldiers – Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag – were all in their late teens and early twenties.
They were captured during Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack which left over 1,200 people dead and started the war.
The soldiers were taken from the Nahal Oz base near the Gaza border where over 60 soldiers were killed.
A fifth female soldier from their unit Agam Berger is still in captivity.
Israel will release 200 Palestinian prisoners including those serving life sentences for attacks. Among them are Mohammed Odeh and Wael Qassim who were involved in the 2002 bombing at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Hamas said some prisoners will be expelled from Gaza and the West Bank but did not specify where.
Preparations for the released soldiers included medical care, psychological support and reunions with their families.
Thousands in Gaza celebrated the swap and for a moment forgot about the war. Gaza resident Radwan Abu Rawiya described the scene as a short break from the reality of the war.
As part of the truce Israel will pull out of the Netzarim corridor and allow displaced Palestinians to return to northern areas. But for now movement is only via foot. The Hamas controlled interior ministry said displaced residents can start moving north on Sunday via the Rashid road.
The long term outcome of the truce is unclear but many hope it will bring an end to the war. Gaza’s health officials say over 47,000 Palestinians have died since the war started and women and children make up more than half of the casualties.
Despite the celebrations, there are still hostages in captivity. Among them is Agam Berger the fifth soldier who was captured with the four who were released. Her family friend Yoni Collins is worried “I don’t know how she is alone in Gaza”.
This swap is a small hope but the conflict is still causing a lot of suffering. Many see this truce as a turning point but the way to peace is still unclear.
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