Israeli soldiers freed as prisoner exchange stirs debate

Four Israeli female soldiers who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, have returned to Israel after being released from captivity. In exchange for their release, Israel agreed to release 200 Palestinian prisoners. This is the second exchange as part of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which has been in effect since January 19.

Karina Ariew, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Lewi, and Liri Albag, all aged 19-20, were kidnapped from a military base in Nahal Oz near the Gaza Strip border. After 477 days in captivity, they were handed over to representatives of the Red Cross in the city of Gaza. In return, Israel will release 200 Palestinian prisoners, of whom 70 will be deported.

Since January 19, a ceasefire has been in effect between Israel and Hamas. In the first phase of the truce, lasting approximately 6 weeks, there are plans to exchange 33 Hamas hostages for about 1,900 Palestinians. Earlier, six days ago, three hostages were released in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners.

The spokesperson for the Israeli armed forces, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, stated that Hamas violated the agreements on the order of the hostage exchange. Nonetheless, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided that the exchange would proceed, as the breach was not severe enough to cancel the agreement.

During the attack on October 7, 2023, Hamas kidnapped 251 people, of which 87 are still held captive. As a result of the actions of Palestinian groups, approximately 1,200 people were killed. The war, which erupted after the attack, has claimed the lives of over 47,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Strip's Ministry of Health.

Observers indicate that the current ceasefire may not withstand the test of time, as the conditions for a lasting truce have not yet been established. There is a risk that fighting may resume if no agreement is reached between the conflicting parties.