Three Israeli hostages were released by Hamas on Saturday as part of a fragile ceasefire deal, with Israel freeing 369 Palestinian prisoners in exchange. The swap—the sixth since the truce began—offered a glimmer of hope amid escalating tensions that nearly collapsed negotiations. 🇮🇱🇵🇸
Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen (a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen), and Sasha Troufanov (a Russian Israeli) were returned after being held captive since Hamas militants attacked Kibbutz Nir Oz in October 2023. Crowds in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square erupted in cheers as the Red Cross delivered the three to Israeli forces in Gaza. 🕊️
So far, 19 Israelis and five Thai nationals have been freed, but 73 hostages remain in Gaza, many feared dead. The ceasefire—originally meant to last 42 days—has faced threats from both sides, with Hamas accusing Israel of blocking aid and Israel mobilizing troops. ⚠️
The deal aims to pave the way for further talks to end the war, rebuild Gaza, and return remaining hostages. However, U.S. proposals to relocate Gaza's population have reignited fears of another Nakba, a term Palestinians use to describe their mass displacement in 1948. Arab leaders, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, will meet this week to oppose such plans. 🌍
