Israel has released 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in exchange for three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, averting a potential collapse of the fragile ceasefire. The swap came after mediators intervened to prevent the deal from unraveling.
Three Israeli hostages, Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel Chen, and Sasha Troufanov, were freed in Khan Younis in Gaza on Saturday. They were led onto a stage with Palestinian militants armed with automatic rifles before being taken back into Israel by Israeli forces.
The freed Palestinians include those serving long prison terms for involvement in suicide bombings and other attacks that killed dozens of Israelis during the second Palestinian uprising in 2000. Some, like Hassan Ewis, will be allowed to return to their homes, while others are expected to be deported to Egypt.
Israel released the Palestinians after a 42-day first stage of the truce pact in effect since January 19. The swap allayed growing alarm that the ceasefire agreement could unravel before its end.
The hostages were held captive during the October 7 attack on Israel, which killed dozens and left many more injured. Horn’s family said he had survived “hell” in Gaza and was overjoyed to be released.
A total of 19 Israeli and five Thai hostages have been released so far, with 73 still in captivity. Prospects for the ceasefire surviving have been shaken by U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for Palestinians to be resettled permanently out of Gaza, a move rejected by Palestinian groups, Arab states, and Western allies.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/three-israeli-hostages-set-return-gaza-ceasefire-holds-2025-02-15