Three More Israeli Hostages Released—369 Palestinian Prisoners to Be Freed Today

Three More Israeli Hostages Released—369 Palestinian Prisoners to Be Freed Today

Khan Younis, February 15: On Saturday, Hamas fighters in the southern Gaza Strip facilitated the release of three Israeli hostages, while 369 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails will be freed today.

The released hostages are Yair Horn (46), Sagui Dekel Chen (36), and Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov (29). All of them hold dual citizenship. Horn was kidnapped along with his brother, Eitan, who remains in captivity.

As in previous exchanges, a stage has been set up, and the area is adorned with Palestinian flags and banners of militant groups. Nearby, the shell of a multi-story building can be seen.

Hamas fighters are expected to display the hostages before the public and cameras, and later hand them over to the International Red Cross.

The ceasefire, which began nearly four weeks ago, had recently been jeopardized by a tense dispute, raising concerns about a resumption of fighting. However, Hamas announced on Thursday that they would proceed with the release of more hostages after discussions with Egyptian and Qatari officials. The group stated that mediators had pledged to "remove all obstacles" to ensure the flow of tents, medical supplies, and other essentials into Gaza.

This exchange will be the sixth since the ceasefire began on January 19. So far, 21 hostages and more than 730 Palestinian prisoners have been released in the first phase of the truce.

As with previous exchanges, dozens of masked, armed Hamas fighters have lined up near the stage, displaying Palestinian flags and banners of militant groups, while music blares from speakers.