In a significant development, nine women hostages were released on Tuesday as part of the ongoing hostage exchange agreement between Israel and Gaza. The agreement aims to secure the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The release of these hostages follows the freeing of 50 Israeli hostages, including women and children, in the first four days of the ceasefire.

Among the released hostages is Mia Leimberg, a 17-year-old from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak. She was the first hostage to be identified in a photo published by the terrorist organization Hamas, where she was seen holding her missing dog which disappeared on October 7.

The other women who were freed on Tuesday include Gabriela Leimberg, 59, Mia's mother; Clara Marman, 64, Gabriela's sister; Ditza Heiman, 84; Tami Metzger, 78; Ofelia Roitman, 77; Ada Sagi, 75; Noralin Babadilla Agojo, 60; Rimon Kirsht Buchshtav, 36; and Merav Tal, 53.

Ditza Heiman, a founding member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, had been missing since October 7. Her granddaughter spoke with a neighbor, who described Ditza as a strong and independent woman. After 53 days in captivity, Ditza has finally returned home.

Tami Metzger was kidnapped alongside her husband Yoram, 80, from their home in Nir Oz. Tami has been released, but her husband and several other Nir Oz residents are still held captive.

Noralin Ajojo, 60, from Yehud, was visiting Kibbutz Nirim with her partner Gideon Babani when they were attacked. Gideon tragically lost his life, while Noralin was taken hostage. Her brother, Akso, recalled his last conversation with her, expressing relief that she has been released after enduring 53 days in captivity.

Ada Sagi, 75, from Nir Oz, displayed remarkable bravery during the terrorist attack. Despite being injured, Ada fought back and refused to surrender. She is returning home today after enduring a harrowing experience in captivity.

Merav Tal, 53, was abducted alongside her partner Yair's two sons, Or Yaakov, 16, and Yagil, 12. Merav's daughter watched a video captured during the kidnapping, where Merav desperately pleaded not to be taken by the terrorists. After 53 days of unimaginable suffering, Merav is finally back on Israeli soil, although her partner Yair is still being held captive.

Rimon Kirsht Buchshtav, 36, was also kidnapped from Kibbutz Nirim and appeared in a psychological terror video released by Hamas. She has been freed and reunited with her family, although Yelena Trupanov, who also appeared in the video, remains in captivity.

The release of these nine women hostages brings some hope in the midst of an ongoing crisis. However, it is important to note that 146 hostages, including nine teenagers and children, are still being held captive in Gaza. The international community continues to urgently seek a resolution to secure the release of all remaining hostages and maintain the fragile ceasefire.

The hostage exchange agreement stipulates that for every 10 hostages released by Hamas, Israel will extend the ceasefire by an additional day, with the goal of reaching a total of 100 released hostages. The humanitarian implications of this exchange are immense, as families eagerly await the safe return of their loved ones from captivity.