Three Israelis kidnapped on October 7, 2023, have been released. In exchange, Israel releases 369 Palestinian prisoners, Netanyahu: “Hamas caved in thanks to Trump’s pressure”

Three Israeli Hostages Freed After Nearly 500 Days

Today, Saturday 15 February, three Israeli hostages were freed after 498 days of captivity in the hands of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

It is Alexander Sasha Trufanov, 29 years old, Russian-Israeli citizen, Saguy Dekel-Hen, 36 years old, of Israeli-American nationality, and Yair Horen, 46 years old, also with dual citizenship.

The release falls within the sixth round of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which provides for the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. In exchange for the release of the three men, Israel will release 369 Palestinian prisoners. The three hostages were taken on the stage set up by Hamas in Khan Younis, where they spoke briefly into the microphone before being made to board police vehicles. International Red Cross. Subsequently, they were handed over to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) e transported to Israeli territory for medical checks and reunification with their families.

The families' reactions: "indescribable emotion"

Families of the freed hostages expressed a mix of relief, gratitude and pain for the difficulties faced by their loved ones.

Sasha Trufanov's family, the young Russian-Israeli abducted on October 7, declared: “We are overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude for Sasha's return after 498 days of captivity. On October 7, he was brutally kidnapped and shot in both legs. The long process of rehabilitation begins now, but we do not yet know whether Sasha is aware of the death of his father, Vitaly, who was killed in the massacre.".

The family of Saguy Dekel-Hen, an Israeli-American citizen, stressed:”Saguy is finally home, after almost 500 days of captivity. In these hours he will meet his daughters and, for the first time, he will be able to see little Shahar, born while he was in Gaza".

Yair Horen's relatives, 46 years old, instead remembered the drama of the still divided family"Yair is back, but his brother Eitan is still held captive in Gaza. We will continue to fight until all hostages are released".

Netanyahu: “Hamas gave in under Trump’s pressure”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the release of the hostages as a success of international pressure and Israeli military action"Hamas attempted to violate the agreement and create a crisis with false accusations, but backed down after President Trump's unequivocal statements. We will continue to work with the United States to bring home all kidnapped people, both alive and dead.".

Israel continues with its stated goal of securing the release of 14 more hostages alive and the recovery of the bodies of 9 deceased hostages, still detained in Gaza.

A controversial operation: 369 Palestinians released

In exchange for the release of the three hostages, Israel has accepted the release of 369 Palestinian prisoners, many of them charged with terrorism-related crimes. The decision has sparked strong controversy in Israel, with some sectors of politics and public opinion against concessions to Hamas.

At the same time, in northern Israel, there were new attacks from Lebanon: a UN convoy (Unifil) was hit by an explosion that injured the mission's deputy commander. No Italian soldiers were involved.

The consequences of the release and the future of the conflict

The release of the three hostages represents a step forward in diplomatic efforts, but it does not mark the end of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

Meanwhile, a Tel Aviv, hundreds of people took to the streets to celebrate the return of the hostages, while the families of those still held in Gaza are strongly calling for an acceleration of negotiations for their release.