In a significant move towards peace, the Palestinian Islamic Hamas movement released four Israeli hostages on Saturday, marking the second batch of releases amidst an ongoing ceasefire. The four women were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza City, bringing a glimmer of hope to the region.
Eyewitnesses reported that dozens of Hamas militants, along with members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, escorted the hostages to the ICRC at Palestine Square in Gaza City. The women, identified as Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy, appeared in good health and spirits as they made their way to freedom.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) confirmed the release, stating that the hostages were en route to Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. The four, aged between 19 and 20, were army observers abducted on October 7 from the Nahal Oz surveillance base near the Gaza border.
Their release was broadcast live on Israel's state-owned Kan TV News and other major media outlets. The young women were seen smiling and walking confidently, offering a moment of relief in a region stressed by conflict.
This exchange is part of a prisoner-hostage deal under the initial terms of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. In this phase, Hamas agreed to release 33 hostages, including children, women, older men, and the injured, over six weeks. In return, Israel has released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and began withdrawing troops from some positions in the Gaza Strip.
The ceasefire, which took effect on January 19, follows 15 months of intense fighting. Negotiated with the help of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, the agreement aims to bring stability and relief to the war-torn area.
On the same day, Israeli authorities released 200 Palestinian prisoners, further signifying steps towards easing tensions. However, according to Israeli officials, around 90 hostages still remain in Gaza, with approximately a third declared missing.
With these positive steps, many are hopeful that a lasting peace could be on the horizon. Fingers crossed for a brighter future in the Middle East! ✌️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
