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Rabat – Hamas handed over four female Israeli captives today as part of a ceasefire agreement to end the 15-month war in Gaza.
The exchange involves swapping these soldiers for Palestinian prisoners.
The release took place in Gaza City square, with a Red Cross team receiving the Israeli captives.
This second exchange in the recently signed ceasefire includes freeing 200 Palestinian prisoners, involving ling-serving inmates and others with lengthy sentences.
About 70 Palestinian prisoners will be deported, with some going to Egypt, Algeria, Qatar, or Turkey.
Read also: Morocco Calls for Respect of Gaza Ceasefire, Relaunch of Genuine Process to End Conflict
In the previous swap, Hamas released three Israeli civilians in return for 90 Palestinian prisoners.
Meanwhile, Hamas identified on Friday the four captives to be released and the 200 Palestinians to be freed, while Israel has not yet officially commented on the exchange.
The prisoner swap represents a delicate step towards potentially reducing hostilities in the long-standing conflict.
However, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) killed at least 14 people in the last five days, prompting the UN to accuse Israel of using “war-like” tactics in its military operation in the occupied West Bank’s city of Jenin and its refugee camp.
Hamas and Israel reached a ceasefire truce on January 15, which started last Sunday. The ceasefire will last for six weeks.
The deal includes full and complete ceasefire, with the IOF withdrawing from all populated areas in Gaza.
The deal also includes the release of hundreds of hostages held by Hamas, including women, the elderly, and the injured.
On the other side, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
