….In exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners
Hamas militants on Saturday morning released four female Israeli soldiers they held captive for 15 months to the Red Cross in a planned exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners or detainees in Israel.
It’s the second exchange since a fragile ceasefire took effect last weekend, halting the fighting in Gaza for at least six weeks during which dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be freed while more aid flows in.
In return for the four soldiers, Israel should free 200 Palestinian prisoners or detainees, including 120 militants serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks.
The first exchange took place Sunday with the release of three Israeli hostages and 90 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. The ministry doesn’t distinguish between combatants and civilians. The war was sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people.
Meanwhile, there are cheers in Hostage Square, Tel Aviv as people watch a feed of the women being handed over to the Red Cross.
Some people are crying, and lots are holding up pictures of the hostages that have been freed.
“It’s amazing. They’re amazing. Did you see them stand and smile?” one woman in the crowd says.
“Just excitement,” another says when asked how she’s feeling.
As the four hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza, joy erupted in a square in Tel Aviv where family and friends of the hostages have gathered today.
Large screens showed the exchange live and people in Tel Aviv can be seen crying, smiling and hugging each other as they hold up placards showing the names and photos of the hostages.
