Hamas has released four female Israeli soldiers held in Gaza as part of the second phase release deal.
The four captives were handed over to Red Cross officials in Palestine Square in Gaza City, which followed with the release of 200 Palestinians held in Israeli jails.
The Saturday exchange marks a significant progress in the Hamas, Israeli ceasefire agreement.
The four female Israeli soldiers released are Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag.
Confirming the release in a statement, the Israeli army said they will undergo a medical assessment.
“The four returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF [Israeli army] special forces and ISA [security agency] forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment,” the army said in a statement.
Of the 200 Palestinians released from Israeli jails, 121 were serving life sentences, while 79 were serving long sentences. The oldest prisoner is 69 years old while the youngest is just 15. Seventy Palestinians are due to be deported with Egypt expected to host them for 48 hours.
