Four young Israeli women held captive in Gaza since October 2023 were released Saturday by Hamas as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US. The emotional handover – captured live on major news networks – showed Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy smiling and walking to safety despite visible injuries.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the transfer at Gaza City's Palestine Square, where Hamas militants escorted the hostages. All four were soldiers aged 19-20 when captured during Hamas' raid on an Israeli border surveillance base last year. 🎖️
🔁 In exchange, Israel freed 200 Palestinian prisoners Saturday – part of a six-week truce deal requiring Hamas to release 33 hostages total. While families celebrated tearful reunions, Israeli authorities estimate 90 captives remain in Gaza, with ~30 presumed dead.
This high-stakes 'swap for peace' represents the first major lull in 15 months of intense conflict. With mediators racing against a ticking clock, the world watches to see if this fragile pause can become lasting change. 💥→🕊️
