Israeli hostages Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Sasha (Alexander) Troufanov arrived at a release site in Gaza on Saturday after Egyptian and Qatari mediators helped avert a standoff that threatened the fragile ceasefire.
At the release site in Khan Younis, the three hostages were led onto a stage where militants stood beside them, armed with automatic rifles.
The three were freed in exchange for 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, a deal that helped ease fears of the ceasefire collapsing before its 42-day term ended.
Celebration and Relief in Tel Aviv
In Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square,” crowds erupted in cheers and tears upon hearing that the Red Cross was transporting the hostages to Israeli forces in Gaza.
The three appeared to be in better condition than another group released last week, who were visibly malnourished and frail.
Dekel-Chen, a U.S.-Israeli citizen, Troufanov, a Russian-Israeli, and Horn, whose brother Eitan was also abducted, were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, during Hamas’s attack.
Militants’ Presence at the Release Site
Dozens of armed militants were deployed at the release site. Some were carrying rifles seized from Israeli forces during the October 7 attack, Hamas sources claimed.
Troufanov was kidnapped along with his mother, grandmother, and girlfriend—all of whom were released in the brief November 2023 ceasefire. His father, however, was killed in the attack on Nir Oz, one of the worst-hit communities.
Tensions Between Hamas and Israel
Hamas had earlier threatened to halt hostage releases, accusing Israel of blocking aid deliveries, particularly shelter materials. In response, Israel denied the allegations, stating that thousands of aid trucks had entered Gaza.
The release of malnourished hostages last week sparked Israeli protests, demanding the government prioritize hostage recovery and maintain the ceasefire.
Hamas’ Response to Trump’s Proposal
A banner displayed at the release site in Khan Younis read:
“No migration except to Jerusalem,”—a response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to relocate Gazans to Jordan and Egypt.
Trump’s proposal was met with strong rejection from Palestinian leaders, Arab states, and Western allies.
Humanitarian Crisis and Uncertain Ceasefire
Gaza is in ruins, with over 48,000 Palestinians killed, severe shortages of food, water, and electricity, and mass displacement.
The ceasefire was intended to facilitate further hostage releases and Israeli military withdrawal. However, with ongoing tensions and accusations from both sides, its future remains uncertain.
