Hamas Announces Release of Three Israeli Hostages as Gaza Ceasefire Holds Despite Tensions
Hamas Names Three Israeli Hostages Set for Release as Gaza Ceasefire Holds Amid Uncertainty
Jerusalem – In a crucial step to uphold the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas has named three Israeli hostages set to be released on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The militant group, along with a forum representing the hostages’ families, confirmed the names of the three men: Iair Horn (46), Sagui Dekel Chen (36), and Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov (29).
The trio was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the ongoing war. Under the current ceasefire agreement, Israel will release more than 300 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the three hostages. This marks the sixth exchange since the truce began on January 21.
Ceasefire Holds Despite Tensions
The truce, which has already resulted in the release of 21 hostages and over 730 Palestinian prisoners, was at risk of collapse in recent days. Hamas had accused Israel of failing to meet the agreed-upon conditions, particularly regarding humanitarian aid, such as the provision of shelters, medical supplies, and fuel.
Israel, with backing from U.S. President Donald Trump, warned that military operations would resume unless hostages were freed. While Israel received confirmation of the planned release, it remains unclear whether this exchange alone is sufficient to prevent further escalation.
According to the Hamas-linked prisoners’ information office, 369 Palestinian prisoners are set for release in this exchange, with 36 serving life sentences.
Stories of Captivity
The hostages set for release endured months of captivity in Gaza. Horn was taken alongside his brother, Eitan, who remains in captivity. Meanwhile, Dekel Chen was abducted while working on a bus renovation, leaving behind his pregnant wife and two daughters. His wife, Avital, has since given birth to their third daughter while he has remained a hostage.
Troufanov was taken along with his mother, grandmother, and girlfriend, who were later freed in November 2023. His father was killed in the October 7 attack.
Concerns over the well-being of remaining hostages have intensified, particularly after the release of three hostages last Saturday. Among them was 65-year-old Keith Siegel, who spoke out about being tortured in captivity, describing his ordeal of starvation, beatings, and psychological abuse.
The Future of the Ceasefire and Trump’s Controversial Plan
As the first phase of the truce nears its early March deadline, no significant negotiations have taken place for a second phase, in which Hamas would release the remaining hostages in exchange for an end to the war.
Adding to the uncertainty, Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s 2 million residents to other countries has sparked intense controversy. While Israel has welcomed the idea, it has been rejected by Arab nations and human rights organizations, which argue that forced displacement could be a war crime under international law.
Trump envisions a U.S.-controlled, redeveloped Gaza, branding it the “Riviera of the Middle East.” His plan has emboldened Israeli far-right leaders, who advocate for resuming the war once the first phase of the ceasefire concludes.
What Comes Next?
Despite months of intense fighting, Hamas remains in control of Gaza, and the group may hesitate to release further hostages if it believes war is inevitable. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that if Hamas halts hostage releases, “all hell will break loose.”
The war, which has killed over 48,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, displacing millions. Israel claims to have eliminated over 17,000 Hamas militants, though independent verification remains unavailable.
With fewer hostages left in captivity, Israel may soon have fewer constraints on military action. The Biden administration previously pressured Israel to ease humanitarian conditions, but Trump’s policies have removed key restrictions on arms transfers to Israel.
As both sides prepare for the next phase, the fate of the ceasefire—and the remaining hostages—remains uncertain.
