Fri Jan 24 21:32:19 IST 2025: **Hamas to Release Four Israeli Soldiers in Gaza Prisoner Exchange**
GAZA CITY, January 25, 2025 – The Palestinian militant group Hamas announced the release of four Israeli women soldiers – Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag – on Saturday as part of an ongoing prisoner exchange under the Gaza ceasefire agreement. This second phase of the exchange follows the release of three Israeli women and 90 Palestinian prisoners last Sunday. The agreement stipulates the release of 50 Palestinian prisoners for each Israeli female soldier. Therefore, the release of the four soldiers is expected to coincide with the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners.
The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar and Egypt with US backing, ended six weeks of fighting. While marking a significant step towards peace, the agreement remains fragile. Israel still holds 94 Israelis and foreigners in Gaza. Future negotiations will focus on the release of remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage during 15 months of conflict.
The conflict began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the capture of over 250 hostages. Palestinian health authorities report over 47,000 Palestinian deaths since the start of the conflict. The ongoing prisoner exchange is a crucial element in the fragile peace process.
First Piper 