Gaza: Hamas has handed over to the Red Cross four female Israeli soldiers that were held in Gaza. The release is part of the second swap of prisoners under a Gaza ceasefire deal that will also see the freeing of 200 Palestinians held in Israeli jails.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, the exchange of prisoners is a significant development in the ongoing conflict, aiming to ease tensions between the two sides. The exchange is facilitated under the terms of a ceasefire agreement, which seeks to bring a temporary halt to hostilities and provide a framework for further negotiations.
The Red Cross has been instrumental in ensuring the safe transfer of the released soldiers. The organization has coordinated with both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to oversee the process, ensuring compliance with international humanitarian standards. This development marks a step towards potential reconciliation, although many challenges remain.
The broader ceasefire agreement, under which this prisoner swap is taking place, includes various measures aimed at reducing conflict and establishing a more stable environment for dialogue. The release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails is expected to proceed in stages, with the current swap being a critical component of the ongoing peace efforts.