Hamas Hands Over Four Israeli Female Soldiers in Prisoner Swap Deal

Gaza (Quds News Network)- Al-Qassam Brigades handed over four Israeli female soldiers to the International Red Cross as part of the second prisoner exchange deal under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. Preparations are also underway to release 200 Palestinian hostages.

The handover took place in Palestine Square, central Gaza, amidst a heavy presence of fighters from the Al-Qassam Brigades and Islamic Jihad’s Al-Quds Brigades. The soldiers, dressed in military uniforms and appearing in good health, stood alongside resistance fighters on a platform with the writing “zionism will never prevail”, where a handover agreement was signed between a Hamas representative and the Red Cross.

The Israeli army confirmed the soldiers’ return and stated that elite forces and Shin Bet agents escorted them back to the occupation state. The soldiers were transported from Gaza in four Red Cross vehicles. Thousands of Palestinians gathered in Palestine Square to witness the exchange.

The four Israeli soldiers have been identified as Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levi, and Liri Albag, as listed by the Al-Qassam Brigades on Friday.

Earlier today, the Israeli army announced that it had finalized preparations to receive the released soldiers. Israeli Air Force helicopters were reportedly ready to transport them. Israeli media reported that families of the four soldiers gathered near the Re’im military base, waiting for their return.

Meanwhile, Israel is preparing to release Palestinian hostages included in the second batch of the exchange deal. Footage showed vehicles outside Ofer Prison in the West Bank, while Israeli Channel 12 reported ongoing preparations to free detainees from Ketziot Prison in the Negev.

The prisoner list includes 121 Palestinians serving life sentences and 79 with long-term sentences. According to Anadolu Agency, 70 Palestinians serving life sentences will be exiled outside Palestine.

Al Jazeera’s Hani Al-Shaer reported seeing Red Cross vehicles leaving Gaza for the Kerem Shalom crossing. He noted that the convoy included a bus that can accommodate 25 individuals, likely intended to transport released Palestinian prisoners to Gaza.

The Israeli Prison Service confirmed that some released Palestinian prisoners will return to Gaza, while others will head to the occupied West Bank.

The first prisoner exchange under the ceasefire agreement included three Israeli female prisoners and 90 Palestinian detainees. The freed Palestinians included 69 women and 21 minors, with 76 from the West Bank and 14 from East Jerusalem.

The initial phase of the agreement, which spans 42 days, aims to exchange 33 Israeli prisoners for 1,900 Palestinians in three stages.

In Gaza, the Ministry of Interior announced that preparations are complete to facilitate the return of displaced residents to northern Gaza. Under the ceasefire deal, the prisoner exchange coincides with a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces and the return of displaced residents to northern Gaza.

The agreement stipulates that the Israeli army will withdraw completely from the western area of the Netzarim axis, spanning from Al-Rashid coastal road to Salah Al-Din Street, upon the completion of the prisoner exchange.

Reports on Friday indicated that Israeli forces had already begun dismantling positions west of Netzarim. Once the withdrawal is complete, Palestinians will have full freedom of movement between northern and southern Gaza.

Large-scale movements of displaced residents is expected toward northern Gaza starting Sunday.

Returning residents will not be subjected to searches, though vehicles will be inspected by a joint Egyptian-Qatari committee.

The second phase of the prisoner swap is also expected to facilitate unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza via Al-Rashid road.