Hamas Releases 3 Israeli Hostages In Exchange For 369 Palestinian Prisoners

The release of three Israeli hostages, Israeli-Argentine Yair Horn, Israeli-American Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Israeli-Russian Sasha Troufanov, happened on Saturday, following successful mediation efforts by Egyptian and Qatari officials. The hostages, who were seized by Hamas militants during an attack on October 7, 2023, were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which then transported them to Israeli forces. The military has confirmed that the freed hostages are now back in Israel.

The release is part of a prisoner swap agreement that will see 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees freed in exchange for the three Israeli hostages. The agreement is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The three hostages, who were held captive for several months, were seen being handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza’s southern city of Khan Yunis. They were reportedly in good health and were seen clutching gift bags and certificates marking the end of their captivity.