Credited from: TIME
As the ceasefire agreement in Gaza continues to unfold, Hamas has announced the names of four Israeli female soldiers who are set to be released this Saturday. These soldiers, identified as Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, were taken hostage during Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. This marks the second round of exchanges under a fragile ceasefire agreement as the two sides seek a temporary halt to violent confrontations. The first successful exchange occurred on Sunday, the first day of the ceasefire, involving three Israeli hostages and 90 Palestinian prisoners.
The current agreement stipulates a systematic exchange whereby Israel will release 50 Palestinian prisoners for every female soldier returned, potentially leading to the liberation of 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the four soldiers. As the situation develops, families of remaining hostages continue to urge Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure the complete release of all captives held in Gaza, emphasizing the urgency and instability of the current ceasefire.
In total, approximately 94 individuals are still being held within Gaza, a mix of soldiers and civilians, governmental officials report. The ongoing negotiations have unveiled the complexities surrounding hostage exchanges and the political landscape influenced by the persistent conflict. Supporters of the initiative encourage understanding and compassion for the affected families as humanitarian aid increases in Gaza, facilitating the return of displaced individuals to their communities.
This fragile ceasefire, brokered by Egypt and Qatar and backed by the United States, aims not only to foster more exchanges but to implement a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from parts of Gaza, where devastation remains widespread due to over a year of military conflict.
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