Three Israeli hostages have been freed in Gaza as the ceasefire remains intact

Israeli hostages Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Sasha (Alexander) Troufanov reached a designated release location in Gaza on Saturday, following the intervention of Egyptian and Qatari mediators who successfully prevented a standoff that could have jeopardized a delicate ceasefire.

Live footage captured the moment the three were escorted onto a stage flanked by militants wielding automatic rifles at the Khan Younis site. In exchange for their release, 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees are being returned, a development that alleviates concerns regarding the potential collapse of the 42-day ceasefire agreement.

In Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, crowds erupted in cheers and tears upon learning that the Red Cross was en route to transfer the three hostages to Israeli forces in Gaza. Observers noted that the trio appeared to be in better health compared to three others released the previous week, who looked emaciated and frail.

Dekel-Chen, a U.S.-Israeli citizen, Troufanov, a Russian-Israeli, and Horn, whose brother Eitan was also taken captive, were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the areas around the Gaza Strip that was attacked by Hamas gunmen on October 7, 2023.

The release site was heavily guarded by numerous armed militants. Some Hamas fighters were reportedly carrying rifles that had been seized from the Israeli military during the October 7 assault, according to Hamas sources. Troufanov was taken hostage alongside his mother, grandmother, and girlfriend, all of whom were released during a brief truce in November 2023. His father was killed in the attack on Nir Oz, which suffered significant casualties, with one in four residents either killed or taken hostage.

Hamas had previously threatened to halt further hostage releases, accusing Israel of breaching ceasefire terms by obstructing aid deliveries to Gaza. This prompted Israel to issue counterthreats of renewed hostilities, mobilizing reservists and placing its military forces on high alert.

The frail condition of the three hostages released last week, along with reports of mistreatment from other hostages freed since the ceasefire began on January 19, has sparked protests in Israel. Demonstrators are urging the government to adhere to the ceasefire and advance to the next phase of the agreement aimed at securing the return of all hostages.

In a bid to mitigate criticism regarding the treatment of hostages, Islamic Jihad, the militant organization associated with Hamas that is currently holding Troufanov, released a video on Friday depicting him engaging in activities such as eating and fishing on a Gaza beach.

The future of the ceasefire is further complicated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Palestinians should be permanently relocated from Gaza, with the area being handed over to the United States for redevelopment. This proposal has been met with strong opposition from Palestinian factions, Arab nations, and Western allies.

Last month, Hamas consented to release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and individuals who are sick or elderly, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners during a six-week truce, during which Israeli forces would withdraw from certain positions in Gaza.

Before Saturday, 16 out of the 33 Israeli hostages had been released, along with five Thais who were unexpectedly freed. This left 76 hostages remaining in Gaza, with estimates suggesting that only about half are believed to be alive.

GAZA IN DEVASTATION

The ceasefire aimed to facilitate a new round of negotiations for the return of the remaining hostages and to finalize the withdrawal of Israeli forces, paving the way for a conclusive end to the conflict and the reconstruction of Gaza, which is now largely devastated and grappling with severe shortages of food, water, and electricity.

Hamas has threatened to halt further hostage releases, citing Israel’s alleged obstruction of tents and temporary shelter supplies into Gaza, which has left tens of thousands vulnerable to the winter chill. Israel has denied these claims, asserting that it has permitted thousands of aid trucks to enter and accusing Hamas of failing to uphold the agreement. On Saturday, Hamas indicated that it expects Israel to fulfill its aid commitments for the ceasefire to remain effective.

International aid organizations report an increase in the number of aid trucks entering Gaza since the ceasefire began; however, aid officials contend that the volume remains inadequate to address the population’s needs.

Israel launched an invasion of the coastal territory following the Hamas-led assault on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, according to Israeli sources, and the abduction of 251 individuals. The subsequent Israeli military operations have resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, as reported by the Palestinian health ministry, while also destroying numerous buildings and leaving a significant portion of the population without homes.