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Hamas Frees Four Israeli Soldiers in Exchange for 200 Palestinian Prisoners as Ceasefire Continues
Hamas released 4 Israeli soldiers in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners under a ceasefire deal. Families rejoice, but tensions remain as talks continue.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-25
Hamas Frees Four Israeli Soldiers in Exchange for 200 Palestinian Prisoners as Ceasefire Continues

The Palestinian militant group Hamas released four Israeli soldiers on Saturday. The release was part of a ceasefire agreement that aims to end the 15-month-old war in Gaza, marking the second major exchange since a truce began on January 19, 2024. The Israeli soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—had been captured during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, when their base was overrun.

The exchange took place in Gaza City, where the four soldiers were led onto a podium surrounded by Hamas fighters and a large crowd of Palestinians. After waving and smiling for the cameras, the soldiers were transported to Israeli forces, and later reunited with their families in Israel.

The deal also involved the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners, including militants convicted for their roles in deadly attacks. While this release was celebrated in Gaza and by Palestinian authorities, the deal was marred by the absence of another expected hostage. Arbel Yehud, a civilian taken on October 7, was not part of Saturday’s exchange due to what Hamas described as a "technical issue." This has caused frustration and disappointment in Israel, with Israeli officials stating that it was a violation of the ceasefire terms.

The ongoing ceasefire, brokered by Qatar and Egypt and supported by the United States, has temporarily halted the violence for the first time since a brief truce in November 2023. While this is a positive step toward ending the conflict, questions about the final stages of the exchange and Israel’s military withdrawal from Gaza remain unresolved.

More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of the war, while Israel has lost more than 400 soldiers. With 90 hostages still held by Hamas, families of those still in captivity are increasingly concerned that the ceasefire may collapse before their loved ones are freed.
Tagged:

Hamas

Ceasefire

PalestinianPrisoners

IsraeliHostages
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