ISRAEL-GAZA: Hamas Releases 3 Israelis, 300 Palestinian Detainees Freed
On Saturday, Israeli officials reported that they had received three Israeli citizens held hostage in the Gaza Strip after Hamas gave them back to the Red Cross in return for more than 300 Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails.
The three are Iair Horn (46), Sagui Dekel Chen (36) and Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov (29). All are dual nationalities.
Horn was kidnapped together with his brother Eitan, who is still in captivity.
Ahmed Barghouti, 48, a close assistant to militant leader and legendary Palestinian political figure Marwan Barghouti, is one of the most well-known Palestinian inmates set to be released.
Truce pausing Israel's war on Gaza — in which 48,240+ Palestinians were reportedly killed, a figure Gaza officials revised to nearly 62,000 — enters its 28th day as Jerusalem churches reject Trump's Gaza expulsion plan
— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) February 14, 2025
Live updates👇 pic.twitter.com/zOhV7HLEh9
As with past exchanges, a platform was built up, and the area was decorated with Palestinian flags and militant faction banners. Nearby stood the shell of a seriously damaged multistory structure.
The extremists plan to parade the hostages in front of onlookers and cameras before turning them over to the Red Cross.
The truce is holding, but it is still quite fragile. In recent days, it appeared like the truce was on the verge of collapse.
After accusing Israel of failing to follow through on their agreement, Hamas announced that the release of the hostages would be delayed.
🚨 6th round of prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) February 15, 2025
◾️ So far, 766 Palestinian detainees and 16 Israeli, 5 Thai hostages have been freed
◾️ In the latest round, 3 Israelis were released, with 369 Palestinians expected in return https://t.co/Gs3K3z0k6f pic.twitter.com/caUit4bvyK
Israel has not allowed in enough shelters, medical supplies, fuel, or heavy equipment to clear rubble, and it has stated that fighting will begin on Saturday unless captives are freed.
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Trump’s proposal to transfer almost 2 million Palestinians from Gaza and relocate them elsewhere in the area casts further doubt on the truce’s sustainability.
Israel’s leadership has approved the concept, and its far-right MPs are already demanding for the conflict to resume after the first truce phase.
However, Palestinians and Arab countries have vigorously opposed it, and human rights groups argue that it may constitute a war crime under international law.
If Hamas feels the battle will return, it may refuse to release any additional hostages. The detainees are among its last remaining bargaining chips.
ISRAEL-GAZA: Hamas Releases 3 Israelis, 300 Palestinian Detainees Freed
