The Red Cross convoy has arrived at Palestine Square in Gaza City, where the release of four Israeli female soldiers is set to take place. These soldiers are part of the broader exchange involving Palestinian prisoners, which is set to unfold soon. Israel is set to release 200 Palestinian prisoners as part of a swap deal, with seventy of them being deported outside the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.
Hamas has confirmed the details, stating that the deported prisoners will be sent to Algeria, Tunisia, and Turkey. This marks a significant step in the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Palestinian factions.
Among the prisoners being released, 121 were serving life sentences, while 79 had long sentences. This development is seen as an important part of the broader prisoner exchange agreement that has drawn attention across the region.
The Handover Site: Gaza City
The location of the captives’ handover is symbolic. Palestinian fighters have gathered in Gaza City, standing over a large Hebrew banner that reads, “Zionism won’t win.” The banner also includes the emblems of Israeli military units and the domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet. Below it, another banner displays images of Israeli officials and military officers with the word “failure” above each one.
This act is a powerful demonstration of defiance and resilience by Hamas and the people of Gaza. Experts note that the choice of location for the handover carries a strong message.
Hamas Demonstrates Strength
Muhanad Seloom, an assistant professor of critical security studies at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, explains that the presence of a large number of Palestinian fighters at the handover site is a deliberate act to demonstrate strength. According to Seloom, the move shows that Hamas is still a powerful force and that the people of Gaza continue to support them.
“It is a symbolic move that underscores their strength and their ongoing presence,” Seloom told Al Jazeera. “It is important not only for Hamas but for the people of Gaza as well.”
Trump’s Decree Sparks Concerns Over Muslim Ban, Targets Pro-Palestinian Students
The location of the handover, Gaza City, is especially significant. It sends a clear message to Israel, signaling that despite their military campaigns, they have failed to regain control over the situation. The city’s position serves as a reminder that Israel’s military efforts to retrieve the captives have been unsuccessful.
Message to Israel
Seloom emphasizes that the handover and its location reflect Israel’s failure. Despite their military campaigns, Israel has been unable to recover the captives by force. The situation in Gaza City, where Israel once believed it had full military control, sends a strong signal that the dynamics have shifted.
“This is a message for Israel,” Seloom said. “They failed to bring back the captives and failed in their military campaign to fully control the situation on the ground.”
The handover of captives in Gaza City is not just a tactical exchange but a significant political statement. It shows that Hamas continues to hold influence and that Israel’s military efforts have not succeeded in breaking the resistance in Gaza.
Follow Day News on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates