Three Israeli hostages, Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Sasha Troufanov, are set to return from Gaza on Saturday following Egyptian and Qatari mediation, preventing a potential collapse of the fragile 42-day ceasefire.
Hostage Exchange and Ceasefire Tensions
Hamas agreed to release the three hostages in exchange for 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
The hostages were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, during Hamas’s attack on Israel.
Hamas had previously threatened to halt further releases, accusing Israel of blocking aid, leading to Israeli military alerts and a risk of renewed conflict.
Public Reaction and Ceasefire Challenges
Israeli protests erupted over the emaciated condition of previously released hostages, demanding the government prioritize hostage return efforts.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for Palestinians to be permanently relocated out of Gaza and for the U.S. to redevelop the enclave added to tensions. The proposal was strongly rejected by Palestinian groups and Arab states.
Ongoing Hostage Situation
Before Saturday, 16 of 33 Israeli hostages had been freed, along with five Thai nationals.
76 hostages remain in Gaza, with fears that only half are still alive.
Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis and Future Negotiations
The ceasefire was aimed at facilitating further hostage releases and Israel’s military withdrawal before a final peace deal.
Hamas accuses Israel of blocking tents and shelter materials, worsening humanitarian conditions. Israel denies this, citing thousands of aid trucks entering Gaza.
International aid groups warn that aid levels remain insufficient to meet Gaza’s desperate needs.
Following Hamas’s attack, Israel’s military response has devastated Gaza, with over 48,000 Palestinians killed, widespread destruction, and most residents displaced. The ceasefire’s survival hinges on further negotiations and humanitarian commitments.
