Hamas Releases Three Israeli Hostages in Fragile Ceasefire Deal

The exchange, involving 369 Palestinian prisoners, follows heightened tensions that nearly derailed the truce agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Three Israeli hostages—Sagui Dekel-Chen, Alexander Troufanov, and Iair Horn—were released after over 16 months in captivity following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz.
In exchange, Israel is releasing 369 Palestinian prisoners, including individuals detained during the ongoing conflict and some serving life sentences.
The ceasefire, brokered on January 19, has faced repeated challenges, with both sides accusing each other of violations and delays in meeting agreed terms.
US President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to permanently relocate Gaza's population has drawn widespread condemnation and added uncertainty to the truce's future.
Negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire, including the release of remaining hostages and broader conflict resolution, remain unresolved as the March deadline approaches.