3 Israeli hostages released in Gaza, Israel frees 369 Palestinians
What's the story
Three Israeli hostages were released in Gaza on Saturday under a prisoner exchange deal. The hostages—identified as Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Sasha Troufanov—were handed over to Israeli forces at a location in Khan Younis. The release was mediated to avoid the collapse of a ceasefire agreement. In exchange for their release, Israel started releasing 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Public reaction
Hostages' release sparks celebrations, eases ceasefire fears
The first bus carrying freed Palestinian prisoners left Israel's Ofer jail and reached Ramallah to a jubilant crowd. The exchange has eased fears of the ceasefire collapsing before the end of its first 42-day stage, which started on January 19. In Tel Aviv's Hostage Square, people celebrated upon learning that the Red Cross was bringing the hostages to Israeli military forces.
Hostages' history
Background of the freed Israeli hostages
The three hostages were abducted during an October 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz by Hamas gunmen. Dekel-Chen had left his family to fight during the attack and will now meet his youngest daughter for the first time following his release. Horn was taken captive along with his brother Eitan, who remains in captivity. Troufanov was kidnapped with family members released in November 2023; tragically, his father was killed in the same attack.
Ceasefire tensions
Hamas's threats and Red Cross's call for access
So far, 19 Israelis and five Thai hostages have been released, with 73 still held captive. Hamas had threatened to halt further releases over alleged Israeli ceasefire violations but resumed after warnings from Israel. The International Committee of the Red Cross has called for access to hostages after reports of mistreatment. A previous hostage described enduring "unimaginable conditions" during captivity.
Truce goals
US president's Gaza proposal rejected, truce aims clarified
Palestinian groups and Arab states have rejected US President Donald Trump's proposal for a US takeover of Gaza. The proposal had suggested relocating Gaza's population to Egypt or Jordan. The truce seeks to facilitate negotiations for the return of remaining hostages and complete Israeli forces' withdrawal from Gaza before ending the war and rebuilding efforts.