The three individuals held captive by Hamas who are scheduled for release on Saturday as part of the ceasefire agreement with Israel have been identified.
Iair Horn, 46, US-Israeli Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, and Russian-Israeli Alexandre (Sasha) Troufanov, 29, are poised to gain their freedom after 498 days of imprisonment.
All three were seized from the same severely affected kibbutz on October 7 during the Hamas offensive that ignited the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
This announcement comes amid apprehensions that the ceasefire arrangement might be on the verge of disintegration.
Hamas had warned ofpotentially delaying the release of hostages scheduled for Saturday, alleging that Israel had violated the ceasefire terms.
The organization claimed that Israel was failing to provide an adequate number of shelters, medical resources, fuel, and necessary machinery for debris clearance in Gaza.
In retaliation, Israel, with support from US President Donald Trump, threatened to resume its military action if the hostages were not returned.
Alexandre Sasha Troufanov. Pic: Hostages and Missing Families Forum
Sagui Dekel-Chen. Pic: Hostages and Missing Families Forum
Iair Horn. Pic: Hostages and Missing Families Forum
However, following intensive negotiations led by Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries aimed at preserving last month’s US-brokered agreement, Hamas announced on Thursday it would proceed with the scheduled release of hostages this weekend.
A statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel accepted the list of hostages.
Hamas stated that Israel is anticipated to release 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in return.
The ceasefire commenced on January 19, offering a respite to 16 months of conflict in Gaza.
In its initial phase, set to last for 42 days, Hamas is required to release 33 Israeli hostages taken during its offensive on October 7, 2023.
Up to this point, it has released 21 hostages – 16 Israelis and five Thai nationals – in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees being released from Israeli incarceration.
Last week, the release of three Israeli men raised alarms concerning their emaciated appearance, provoking concerns regarding the conditions they endured during the 16 months of captivity.
Read more:
Essential Insights into Trump’s Gaza Strategy
Statistical Overview of the Israel-Hamas Conflict
According to the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry, over 48,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, with no distinction made between civilians and combatants in their figures.
At least 1,200 individuals were killed, and more than 250 were taken hostage when Hamas commenced its brutal assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.
