Hamas Announces Release of Four Israeli Female Soldiers as Part of Ceasefire Agreement
Hamas during the first exchange of Hostages, Photo: The Cradle
January 24, 2025 Hour: 9:28 pm
The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, announced on Friday that it will release four Israeli female soldiers held captive in Gaza on Saturday. This action aligns with the terms of the ceasefire agreement reached with Israel last week, which came into effect last Sunday.
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In a statement, Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Hamas’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, confirmed the upcoming release of Karina Araiv, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Elbaz. This will occur during the second phase of the hostage exchange deal between Hamas and Israel.
Obeida highlighted that Israel agreed to free up to 50 Palestinian prisoners for every Israeli female soldier released. Among those to be freed as part of this exchange is Zakaria Zubaidi, a prominent Palestinian commander and leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades in the northern West Bank city of Jenin.
Zubaidi, a renowned figure in the Palestinian resistance, was part of a dramatic 2021 escape from Israel’s Gilboa Prison, achieved through a tunnel dug with improvised tools such as spoons. Jenin and its refugee camps, where Zubaidi led operations, are considered strongholds of Palestinian resistance.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, under Benjamin Netanyahu, confirmed receipt of the list of hostages to be released. The Israeli government has yet to respond officially but acknowledged that mediators received the names.
The first exchange occurred on January 19, with Hamas releasing three Israeli female hostages in return for 90 Palestinian detainees, accused by Israel of “security violations.”
The ongoing ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, was agreed upon on January 15 and activated on January 19. It includes a 42-day truce during which 33 Israeli hostages will be exchanged for approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in several phases.
Commitment to Transparency
Hamas leader Bassem Naim confirmed that the group had provided the names of the four women to be released, adhering to the agreement’s stipulation to disclose such information 24 hours in advance.
This development marks a significant moment in the fragile ceasefire, fostering hope for further de-escalation and the release of more prisoners on both sides.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: PressTV-Quds News
