Hamas and Israel have completed the sixth hostage-prisoner swap under the ongoing Gaza ceasefire, despite rising tensions that threaten the truce.
On Saturday, Hamas militants released three Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel.
An AFP journalist reported that masked Hamas fighters paraded the hostages on a stage in Khan Yunis, Gaza, before handing them over to the Red Cross for transfer to Israel.
The three hostages—Sagui Dekel-Chen (Israeli-American), Sasha Trupanov (Israeli-Russian), and Yair Horn (Israeli-Argentine)—were held captive since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
Friends and family members wept with joy as they reunited with their loved ones.
Trupanov’s family: “Finally, Sasha can be surrounded by his loved ones and begin a new path.”
Dekel-Chen’s wife, Avital (via Israeli broadcaster Kan): “My breath has returned. He looks so handsome.”
Meanwhile, Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel arrived in Khan Yunis, greeted by cheering crowds. Many made victory signs as they waved to supporters.
According to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club advocacy group, Israel released:
36 prisoners serving life sentences, with 24 set for deportation under the truce deal.
The Israeli government confirmed the release of 369 prisoners.
With fears of a ceasefire collapse, Hamas announced that talks on the next phase of the truce are expected next week.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Israel for discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the ceasefire agreement.
In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered, waving Israeli flags and calling for the release of all hostages.
The Red Crescent reported that several freed Palestinian prisoners required hospital treatment after release.
Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE, are set to hold a summit on the future of Gaza’s population.
The October 7 Hamas attack on Israel led to:
1,211 Israeli deaths, mostly civilians.
251 hostages taken, with 70 still in Gaza, including 35 declared dead by Israeli forces.
In response, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 48,264 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, figures considered credible by the UN.
Israeli officials say they are working with the U.S. to secure the release of remaining hostages. However, as diplomatic efforts continue, the fragile ceasefire remains at risk.
AFP
