February 15, 2025: Hamas has released three more Israeli hostages, including an American citizen, as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, following mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar. The release, which took place on Saturday, comes amid heightened tensions that had threatened to derail the carefully negotiated truce between Israel and the militant group.
The hostages—Iair Horn, 46, Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36, and Sasha (Alexander) Troufanov, 29—were handed over to the Red Cross after they were brought onto a stage in Khan Younis, surrounded by armed Hamas members. The exchange was part of a broader deal that saw the release of 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, a crucial move to maintain the fragile 42-day ceasefire.
Although the three men appeared to be in better physical condition compared to other hostages who were released earlier, concerns were raised after Horn was seen to have visibly lost weight. The images of his frail appearance have sparked renewed frustration among many Israelis, who continue to demand the swift release of all remaining captives still held in Gaza.
Troufanov, a Russian-Israeli citizen, was taken hostage on October 7, 2023, alongside his mother, grandmother, and girlfriend during Hamas’ attack on Israel. His three family members were freed during a brief truce in November, but his father was killed during the assault on Nir Oz, one of the hardest-hit communities, where nearly a quarter of the residents were either killed or kidnapped.
Dekel-Chen, an American-Israeli, was abducted from his home at Kibbutz Nir Oz while working in his workshop, where he was converting a bus into a mobile classroom. At the time, his wife Avital was seven months pregnant. She and their two young daughters managed to survive by hiding in a safe room for nine hours. In November 2023, reports from previously freed hostages confirmed that Dekel-Chen was still alive in Gaza but had suffered injuries. Two months after his kidnapping, Avital gave birth to their daughter, Shachar, whose name means "dawn" in Hebrew.
Horn, originally from Argentina, moved to Israel in 1999 and was kidnapped along with his brother Eitan, who remains in captivity. A familiar face in Kibbutz Nir Oz, he is known for running a community pub and working as a stand-up comedian and radio broadcaster.
The latest hostage-prisoner exchange has helped avert an immediate crisis that could have led to the collapse of the truce. However, the situation remains precarious as Israeli authorities continue to push for the return of the remaining hostages. Families of those still held captive have intensified calls on the government to secure their release before the ceasefire expires, as concerns grow over their condition and the uncertainty surrounding future negotiations.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Hamas Releases Three Hostages, Including an American, Amid Ceasefire Uncertainty
February 15, 2025: Hamas has released three more Israeli hostages, including an American citizen, as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, following mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar. The release, which took place on Saturday, comes amid heightened tensions that had threatened to derail the carefully negotiated truce between Israel and the militant group.
The hostages—Iair Horn, 46, Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36, and Sasha (Alexander) Troufanov, 29—were handed over to the Red Cross after they were brought onto a stage in Khan Younis, surrounded by armed Hamas members. The exchange was part of a broader deal that saw the release of 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, a crucial move to maintain the fragile 42-day ceasefire.
Although the three men appeared to be in better physical condition compared to other hostages who were released earlier, concerns were raised after Horn was seen to have visibly lost weight. The images of his frail appearance have sparked renewed frustration among many Israelis, who continue to demand the swift release of all remaining captives still held in Gaza.
Troufanov, a Russian-Israeli citizen, was taken hostage on October 7, 2023, alongside his mother, grandmother, and girlfriend during Hamas’ attack on Israel. His three family members were freed during a brief truce in November, but his father was killed during the assault on Nir Oz, one of the hardest-hit communities, where nearly a quarter of the residents were either killed or kidnapped.
Dekel-Chen, an American-Israeli, was abducted from his home at Kibbutz Nir Oz while working in his workshop, where he was converting a bus into a mobile classroom. At the time, his wife Avital was seven months pregnant. She and their two young daughters managed to survive by hiding in a safe room for nine hours. In November 2023, reports from previously freed hostages confirmed that Dekel-Chen was still alive in Gaza but had suffered injuries. Two months after his kidnapping, Avital gave birth to their daughter, Shachar, whose name means "dawn" in Hebrew.
Horn, originally from Argentina, moved to Israel in 1999 and was kidnapped along with his brother Eitan, who remains in captivity. A familiar face in Kibbutz Nir Oz, he is known for running a community pub and working as a stand-up comedian and radio broadcaster.
The latest hostage-prisoner exchange has helped avert an immediate crisis that could have led to the collapse of the truce. However, the situation remains precarious as Israeli authorities continue to push for the return of the remaining hostages. Families of those still held captive have intensified calls on the government to secure their release before the ceasefire expires, as concerns grow over their condition and the uncertainty surrounding future negotiations.