Jan 25, Kathmandu- The Palestinian militant group Hamas released four more Israeli hostages on Saturday, the second such release since a ceasefire in Gaza that began on Sunday. 

Among those released are female Israeli soldiers, including Karina Ariev, Daniela Gilboa, Nama Neve, and Liri Albag, according to international media reports. 

In exchange, Israel is releasing 200 Palestinians it holds in prison and hostages. The exchange is being facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Hamas has yet to release 26 Israeli hostages, of which 20 have been announced. 

The latest peace agreement between Hamas and Israel stipulates that Israel will release 50 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Hamas releasing one Israeli soldier. Similarly, Israel will release 30 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Hamas releasing civilians. 

During this ceasefire, which is said to last six weeks, Hamas has released a total of 34 hostages, while Israel is releasing approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. 

There is no such agreement in the case of foreign nationals. The mediating countries are holding talks with Hamas to release the foreign nationals. In the process, Nepali student Bipin Joshi is also expected to be released. For which the Government of Nepal and Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba are continuously taking initiatives.