Gaza sees second hostage swap
Gaza witnessed a second hostage swap as Hamas freed four female Israeli soldiers in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners, part of a six-week ceasefire that began on January 19.
Earlier on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency confirmed that the four female Israeli soldiers held in Gaza had returned to Israel after being handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which ensured the smooth and secure implementation of the exchange.
The hostages were shown embracing their parents in tears of joy in a video released by the IDF.
However, not all Palestinian hostages were returned on Saturday, according to Xinhua news agency. Shortly after the Israeli announcement, the Israel Prison Service confirmed that all 200 Palestinian prisoners scheduled for release had been freed. Most were sent to the West Bank, with about 70 deported to Egypt through the Rafah crossing, according to Palestinian sources and Egyptian media.
Israel stated that Palestinians would not be allowed to return to northern Gaza until the release of Arbel Yehuda, another female civilian hostage.
Yehuda was supposed to be released alongside three other female soldiers but was excluded from the release. Hamas sources, as reported by local Palestinian media, confirmed that Yehuda was “alive and in good health” and would be released as part of the third swap scheduled for next Saturday.
This delay prompted Israel to block thousands of displaced Palestinians from returning to their homes in northern Gaza. Israeli forces shot and killed a young Palestinian and wounded others on Saturday as they attempted to return to central Gaza, Palestinian medical sources reported.
The incidents took place near Al-Bureij refugee camp and west of Al-Nuseirat camp, where Israeli gunfire targeted gatherings of citizens attempting to return home.
The Israeli military stated that the ban on approaching the Nitzarim Corridor, dividing southern and northern Gaza, would remain in place until its official reopening to prevent clashes.
Hamas on Saturday accused Israel of delaying the ceasefire agreement’s implementation, warning that such actions could jeopardize the next phases of the deal.
“The occupation continues to delay the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the prisoner exchange by keeping Al-Rasheed Street closed and preventing displaced people from returning on foot from the south to the north,” Hamas said in a statement.
The ICRC expressed hope that ongoing dialogue and humanitarian commitments would create the necessary conditions for the safe execution of future operations.
