Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the 15-month conflict in Gaza.
The released soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—were abducted by Hamas fighters during an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
They were stationed at an observation post in Gaza during the incident.
According to the Israeli military, the freed soldiers have reunited with their families and are receiving medical care at a hospital in central Israel, the Health Ministry reported.
Simultaneously, a bus carrying the Palestinian prisoners departed from Israel’s Ofer military prison.
Israel’s Prison Service confirmed the release of 200 prisoners, which included convicted militants serving life sentences for involvement in attacks that killed dozens, according to a list published by Hamas.
Palestinian officials stated that around 70 of the released prisoners will be deported to Egypt, 16 will return to Gaza, and the rest will be released into the West Bank.