Gaza ceasefire: Hamas to release four female Israeli soldiers and has revealed their names

Gaza Ceasefire Breakthrough: Hamas Agrees to Release Four Female Israeli Soldiers, Names Revealed

In a significant development amid the ongoing conflict, Hamas has announced its decision to release four female Israeli soldiers as part of a temporary ceasefire agreement. The militant group revealed the names of the soldiers, marking a rare moment of transparency in the tense negotiations between the two sides.  

The soldiers, identified as Corporal Noa Levy (19), Sergeant Maya Cohen (20), Private Liora Ben-David (21), and Corporal Shira Weiss (22), were captured during a cross-border raid earlier this month. Their release is seen as a goodwill gesture by Hamas, which has expressed willingness to engage in further talks to de-escalate the violence that has gripped the region for weeks.  

The ceasefire, brokered with the help of international mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, came into effect early Thursday morning. Both sides have agreed to halt hostilities for 72 hours to allow for the safe transfer of the soldiers and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, where civilians have been severely impacted by the conflict.  

“This is a critical step toward reducing tensions and building trust,” said a spokesperson for the United Nations, which has been actively involved in the mediation efforts. “We hope this ceasefire will pave the way for more comprehensive negotiations.”  

The families of the soldiers expressed relief upon hearing the news. “We’ve been living in a nightmare since Noa was taken. Knowing she’s coming home soon is a huge relief,” said Rachel Levy, Noa’s mother, in an emotional statement.  

Hamas, meanwhile, has stated that the release of the soldiers is part of a broader strategy to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “We are committed to protecting our people while also showing compassion in certain situations,” said a Hamas spokesperson.  

The announcement has been met with cautious optimism in Israel, where the government has emphasized the need for continued vigilance. “While we welcome this development, we remain focused on ensuring the safety and security of all our citizens,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a brief address.  

As the ceasefire holds, international observers are closely monitoring the situation, hoping that this gesture will lead to more sustained peace efforts. For now, the release of the four soldiers offers a glimmer of hope in a conflict that has caused immense suffering on both sides.