Israel releases 70 Palestinian prisoners to Egypt under Gaza ceasefire deal

Tel Aviv:Under the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Egypt’s state-run Qahera TV on Saturday has reported that Israel has released 70 Palestinian prisoners into Egypt. The released individuals crossed into the Egyptian side of the Rafah border from the Gaza Strip.  

Hamas militants, earlier in the day, handed over four captive female Israeli soldiers to the Red Cross in Gaza City. These exchanges form part of the ceasefire arrangement, under which Israel is expected to release 200 Palestinian prisoners or detainees, many of whom will be sent into exile.  

The four Israeli soldiers were presented by Hamas in a public display in Gaza City's Palestine Square. Smiling and waving to the crowd, the soldiers, identified as Karina Ariev (20), Daniella Gilboa (20), Naama Levy (20), and Liri Albag (19), were led off the stage and handed over to waiting Red Cross vehicles. Despite their outward demeanour, it was suggested they were likely acting under duress.  

Radwan Abu Rawiya, a Gaza City resident present during the handover, remarked, “People forgot about the war, destruction and are celebrating.”  

The handover of the hostages was met with cheers in both Gaza and Israel. In Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, crowds gathered to watch the event unfold live on large television screens.

“I'm speechless,” said Aviv Bercovich, one of the onlookers.

“I had goosebumps watching them. I just want the war to end.”  

The four hostages were taken during Hamas’ attack on the Nahal Oz base near the Gaza border on 7 October 2023, where over 60 Israeli soldiers were killed. These young women were part of a lookout unit responsible for monitoring threats along the border. A fifth soldier from their unit, Agam Berger (20), remains in captivity.  

Israel’s military issued a statement confirming the preparations made to receive the hostages. It ensured they would receive medical care and support upon arrival, followed by reunions with their families. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel’s military spokesperson, called the parade by Hamas a “cynical” act and reiterated the army’s commitment to bringing all remaining hostages home.  

Hagari also expressed concern over the fate of two young hostages, Kfir and Ariel Bibas, and their mother, Shiri. Kfir, who marked his second birthday while in captivity, remains among those unaccounted for.  

Release of Palestinian prisoners  

As part of the exchange deal, Israel is set to release 200 Palestinian prisoners, including 121 individuals serving life sentences. Of these, 70 are expected to be exiled, although specific destinations were not disclosed.  

Among the prisoners being released are Mohammad Odeh (52) and Wael Qassim (54), accused of carrying out deadly attacks, including a 2002 bombing at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem that killed nine people, five of whom were US citizens.  

Ceasefire holds amid uncertainty 

The truce, described as fragile, has momentarily brought quiet to the Gaza Strip, halting airstrikes and rocket attacks while allowing increased humanitarian aid into the region.  

When the ceasefire began, three hostages were exchanged for 90 Palestinian prisoners, all women and children. However, the release of Arbel Yehoud, a civilian hostage, remains a sticking point. Israel has announced it will not permit displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza until she is freed.  

The Hamas-run interior ministry earlier stated that Palestinians would be permitted to return to northern Gaza on Sunday. Movement between southern and northern Gaza would be allowed on foot through Rashid Road, the ministry added.  

War toll 

The ongoing conflict, which began on 7 October with a Hamas-led cross-border attack, has claimed over 47,000 Palestinian lives, according to local health officials. Women and children reportedly account for more than half of the fatalities.  

While many celebrated the release of the hostages, others expressed concerns for those still in captivity. Yoni Collins, a family friend of Agam Berger, voiced their distress: “It’s hard that she’s still there. There were five girls, four are out, and now she’s there alone. We’re just waiting for her to come home.”  

The initial six-week phase of the ceasefire has brought cautious hope for an end to the deadliest and most destructive conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, the long-term outcome remains uncertain as both sides grapple with the devastating consequences of war.

AFP