Hamas to Free Three Israeli Hostages Today in Exchange for Palestinian Detainees

Synopsis

Hamas confirmed the release of three Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners today. This marks the sixth exchange under a ceasefire agreement, aiming to alleviate tensions. However, the broader peace process remains uncertain as warnings from Trump and Israeli officials loom.

Key Takeaways

Three Israeli hostages will be released today.
In exchange, 369 Palestinian prisoners will be freed.
This is the sixth such exchange since the ceasefire.
Ongoing tensions persist amid warnings from US and Israeli leaders.
The future of the peace process is uncertain.

Gaza, Feb 15 (NationPress) Hamas has announced that three Israeli hostages will be released today, in return for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

As reported by Hamas’ military faction, Al-Qassam Brigades, the hostages include Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov, a 29-year-old civilian from Russia; Sagui Dekel-Chen, a 36-year-old Israeli-American civilian; and Yair Horn, a 46-year-old Israeli national.

Israel has acknowledged the receipt of the list of hostages scheduled for release from Hamas custody in the Gaza Strip. This information was conveyed through mediators from Qatar and Egypt. Initially, a statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the list was "acceptable by Israel," but a spokesperson later emphasized that this statement was merely factual, keeping Israel’s stance neutral.

"This is a purely factual description and does not reflect any Israeli position on the matter," the spokesperson explained.

In return, Israel will liberate 369 Palestinian prisoners today, with 333 of them to be returned to Gaza. Ten individuals will be sent back to their residences in the West Bank, while one will be released in East Jerusalem.

Furthermore, 25 prisoners currently serving life sentences will either be deported to Gaza or sent abroad via Egypt.

This exchange is part of ongoing efforts to reduce tensions and uphold the ceasefire, although the future of the broader peace process remains unclear.

This event marks the sixth round of prisoner-for-hostage exchanges between Israel and Hamas following the ceasefire agreement initiated on January 19.

The impending release occurs against a backdrop of increased tensions after US President Donald Trump cautioned that if "all of the hostages" in Gaza were not released by noon on Saturday, the truce would be annulled, and he would "let hell break out." Both Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated the warning, stating that Israel would recommence its military actions in Gaza.