Israel Secures Release Of Three Hostages In Exchange For 369 Palestinian Prisoners

Three Israeli hostages—Yair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Sasha Troufanov—were freed on Saturday (15 February) from Hamas captivity after Egyptian and Qatari officials successfully mediated their release, NDTV reported.

Captured during the Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023, the three hostages were first transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross before being handed over to Israeli forces.

The Israeli military has reportedly confirmed that the freed hostages are now back in Israel.

As part of the negotiated exchange, Israel is set to release 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in return for the three freed hostages.

This exchange represents a key step in sustaining the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas amid ongoing tensions.

After spending months in captivity, the three hostages were seen during their transfer to the Red Cross in Khan Yunis, a southern city in Gaza.

Despite the latest developments, tensions between Israel and Hamas continue to escalate.

Israel has reportedly been accused of limiting humanitarian aid into Gaza, further worsening the crisis.

Hamas has warned that additional hostage releases may be stalled unless Israel allows greater humanitarian aid into Gaza.

With this latest exchange, the number of hostages freed since the start of the ceasefire has now reached 19.

Despite the progress, a significant number of hostages are still being held, and negotiations for their release are ongoing.

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