Hamas and Israel Conduct Hostage-Prisoner Exchange Amid Ceasefire Talks
Three Israeli Captives Released, Hundreds of Palestinian Prisoners Freed

Hamas has released three Israeli captives from Gaza’s Khan Younis, while Israel has freed 369 Palestinian prisoners, including fighters, as part of a negotiated exchange. The deal, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, marks a crucial step in ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate hostilities and pave the way for further negotiations.

Israeli Hostages Released by Hamas

The three Israeli captives were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) before being transferred into Israeli custody. They were escorted by military and intelligence officers and underwent initial medical evaluations upon their arrival in Israel. Officials confirmed that they would receive comprehensive medical and psychological support before reuniting with their families.

The released hostages include:

• Yair Horn, 46 – Taken from Nir Oz settlement during the October 7, 2023 attack. He worked in construction and was an active community organizer.
• Alexander Trufanov, 29 – A Russian-Israeli national abducted alongside his girlfriend, who was released earlier. His father was killed in the attack, and his captive mother and grandmother were freed in a previous exchange.
• Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36 – An American-Israeli citizen and father of three. His youngest child was born during his captivity. He was known for converting old buses into mobile classrooms for underprivileged children.

Palestinian Prisoners Released by Israel

As part of the exchange, Israel released 369 Palestinian prisoners, including individuals affiliated with Hamas and other resistance groups. Many of the freed detainees were held without formal charges under administrative detention policies. Their return was met with celebrations across the West Bank and Gaza, where families gathered to welcome them home.

Palestinian officials hailed the prisoner release as a victory, while Israeli authorities maintained that such exchanges were necessary steps to secure the safe return of hostages held in Gaza.

Ceasefire and Future Negotiations

This exchange is viewed as a confidence-building measure amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations. Talks for a more extended truce and additional hostage-prisoner swaps are set to resume next week in Doha, Qatar.

Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, with both sides accusing each other of sporadic violations. However, international mediators are working to prevent a return to full-scale conflict.