200 Palestinian prisoners released in swap for 4 Israeli soldiers

Transfer of prisoners

According to the Palestinian Commission for Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners Affairs, the release took place from the Negev desert prison. Seventy prisoners were transferred to the Kerem Shalom Border Crossing in the southern Gaza Strip in preparation for deportation outside Palestinian territories.

Part of a prisoner swap deal

This release was part of a broader prisoner swap deal that also involved the handover of four Israeli female soldiers, who had been held in Gaza since the beginning of the war in October. The soldiers were transferred to the International Red Cross and then brought to Israel.

Netanyahu’s threat over hostage situation

Despite the completion of this stage of the exchange, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a threat to prevent Gazans from crossing into the northern Gaza Strip until the fate of 28-year-old hostage Arbel Yehud is clarified.

Confirmation of hostage status

Hamas confirmed that Yehud is still alive and will be released next Saturday, according to the Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post.