Hamas frees four female Israeli soldiers in exchange for 200 prisoners

Hamas on Saturday freed four female Israeli soldiers held hostage, while Israel released 200 Palestine prisoners in an ongoing ceasefire deal.

The exchanges of hostages and prisoners between Hamas and Israel mark the second phase of ceasefire agreement reached in Doha, Qatar.

The four female Israeli soldiers; Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, and Daniella Gilboa spent 477 days in captivity since they were abducted on October 7, 2023.

“Today, as part of these ongoing efforts, we welcomed home four more Israeli hostages after 477 days in Hamas captivity. Our mission is not over until every single hostage comes home, “Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for Israeli defence, said.

Responding, Israel released 200 Palestine prisoners.

At the first phase of the hostage and prisoners swap ceasefire agreement last week, Hamas released three Israeli hostages, while Israel released about 90 of Palestine prisoners.

Over 40,000 have been killed in the war that broke out after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing over 1000 persons, injuring scores and taking 251 as hostages.

Credit: The New York Times