Three Israeli hostages, including Sagui Dekel-Chen, a 36-year-old American-Israeli, were released by Hamas on Saturday after being held captive in Gaza for almost 18 months. The group, which also included Israelis Sasha Troufanov, 29, and Iair Horn, 46, was led to a stage by Hamas operatives and read statements before being handed over to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Dekel-Chen, who had been held without apparent serious injury, reunited with his pregnant wife Avital after 498 days apart.
The hostages were abducted during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, in Kibbutz Nir Oz near the Gaza border. Dekel-Chen, an engineer at Amazon, confronted the terrorists and was taken hostage while working in the machine shop. His seven-month-pregnant wife miraculously survived with their two little girls.
The deal for the release of hostages is part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which has been in effect since January 19. The first phase saw the release of 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including 36 serving life sentences over deadly attacks.
Former President Joe Biden expressed relief that Dekel-Chen was reunited with his family after 498 days apart, saying he is proud of the deal negotiated between Israel and Hamas. However, tensions remain high as both sides have accused each other of breaching the agreement multiple times.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hamas-frees-hostages-american-israeli-sagui-dekel-chen-gaza-ceasefire