The Hamas terrorist group in Gaza handed over three more hostages to the Red Cross on Saturday, marking another exchange under the ongoing ceasefire agreement. The Israeli military confirmed that the freed hostages are 46-year-old Iair Horn, 36-year-old Sagui Dekel, and 29-year-old Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov.
Horn holds dual citizenship of Israel and Argentina, Dekel is an American-Israeli, and Troufanov has Israeli and Russian citizenship. They were among those abducted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched its attack on Israel, triggering the current conflict.
Red Cross vehicles arrived at the designated release site on Saturday morning, where the hostages were handed over. As in previous exchanges, masked Hamas fighters stood in formation near a stage decorated with Palestinian flags and banners of various militant factions, while loudspeakers played music.
Ongoing Prisoner Exchange & Ceasefire Tensions
This release marks the sixth exchange since the ceasefire began on January 19. So far, 21 hostages and over 730 Palestinian prisoners have been released as part of the first phase of the truce.
The agreement between Hamas and Israel requires Israel to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in return for the gradual release of hostages. However, the fragile truce has been at risk in recent days due to mounting tensions that nearly reignited hostilities.
The Hamas-linked Prisoners’ Information Office announced on Friday that 369 Palestinian prisoners were scheduled for release on Saturday, including 36 individuals serving life sentences. Among them is Ahmed Barghouti, a close associate of Marwan Barghouti, a well-known Palestinian political figure and militant leader.
Israel sentenced Ahmed Barghouti to life in prison for orchestrating suicide bombings during the Second Intifada in the early 2000s, which resulted in the deaths of Israeli civilians. He was arrested alongside Marwan Barghouti in 2002.
Uncertainty Over Remaining Hostages
While the latest exchange offers a glimmer of relief, concerns remain over the fate of the remaining hostages still held in Gaza. As negotiations continue, the condition and well-being of those still in captivity remain a pressing issue, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire’s future.
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