Israel and Hamas Complete Sixth Hostage and Prisoner Exchange Under Fragile Ceasefire

Three Israeli hostages and 369 Palestinian prisoners were released, but the ceasefire's future remains uncertain with key negotiations stalled.

Three Israeli hostages, including Sagui Dekel-Chen, who met his newborn daughter for the first time, were released by Hamas and reunited with their families in Israel.
Hamas handed over the hostages in a public ceremony in Khan Younis, while Israel released 369 Palestinian prisoners, including individuals serving life sentences for deadly attacks.
The current ceasefire, established on January 19, is set to expire on March 2, with no substantial progress on negotiations for its extension or a second phase of prisoner exchanges.
Tensions remain high as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces domestic pressure to secure the return of all remaining hostages, while Hamas expresses concerns about the potential resumption of war.
Controversy arose over the treatment of released prisoners, with some Palestinians burning shirts issued by Israeli authorities, and reports of mistreatment during their detention.