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As part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, Hamas has freed three Israeli men with dual nationality. The hostages—Sagui Dekel Chen, Iair Horn, and Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov—were released on Saturday, bringing the total number of hostages freed to 24.
Ceasefire Agreement Details
The ceasefire agreement, which took effect on January 19, outlines that Hamas will release 33 hostages, including eight who are confirmed dead. Hamas militants had abducted 251 people during their attack on Israel, which led to the ongoing war in Gaza. While more than 70 hostages remain in Gaza, nearly half are believed to have lost their lives.
In exchange for the hostages, Israel has agreed to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from its jails.
Who Are the Three Hostages Freed by Hamas?
1. Sagui Dekel Chen
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A 36-year-old American-Israeli national
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His wife was pregnant with their third child at the time of his abduction
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An avid tennis player and co-founder of an arts center for young people in southern Israel
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Raised the alarm about the infiltration of his kibbutz during the attack
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His wife gave birth to their third daughter in December 2023
2. Iair Horn
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A 46-year-old Argentinian-Israeli national
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A football enthusiast and pub manager in Beer Sheba, southern Israel
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Kidnapped along with his brother, Eitan, who has not yet been released
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A dedicated supporter of his local football team
3. Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov
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A Russian-Israeli national
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Works as an engineer at Amazon
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Abducted with his grandmother, mother, and girlfriend; the rest of his family was freed in November 2023 during a previous ceasefire
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His father was killed during the Hamas attack
Ongoing Hostage Situation in Gaza
Despite the ongoing ceasefire efforts, many hostages remain in captivity. The fate of over 70 individuals is uncertain, with nearly half presumed dead. The situation continues to be a point of contention between Israel and Hamas, with international mediators working to secure further releases.
Israel’s Prisoner Exchange Strategy
In return for the released hostages, Israel has agreed to free almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. This exchange remains a key element in the truce negotiations, as both sides navigate the fragile agreement.
Conclusion
The release of Sagui Dekel Chen, Iair Horn, and Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov marks another step in the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. However, the situation remains complex, with many hostages still in captivity. As international mediators continue their efforts, the world watches closely to see how this humanitarian crisis unfolds.
