Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the hostages, assuring them that they will receive support in their rehabilitation after spending 498 days in captivity.
Hostages released under ceasefire deal
The Palestinian militant group Hamas released three Israeli hostages on Saturday, February 15, in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel as part of a ceasefire agreement.
The released hostages have been identified as Israeli-American Sagui Dekel-Chen, Israeli-Russian Sasha Troufanov, and Israeli-Argentinian Iair Horn. Before being handed over to the Red Cross, Hamas paraded them on stage and asked them to address the crowd.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the trio back, emphasizing that they will receive assistance in their recovery after nearly 500 days in captivity.
Who are the released hostages?
Sagui Dekel-Chen
Israeli-American Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36, was outside his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz when Hamas attacked. Before engaging the militants, he ensured his wife and children were safe.
His mother, Neomit, was also taken hostage in an electric cart but was rescued when an IDF helicopter targeted the driver.
Upon his release, Chen was seen smiling as Israeli officials informed him that he had a one-year-old daughter. When asked about his well-being, he told Channel 12, “I’m great, I’m great, I have a daughter.”
Sasha Troufanov
Sasha Troufanov, 29, worked at Amazon-owned Annapurna Labs, a microelectronics company based in Israel.
He was abducted alongside his girlfriend, Sapir Cohen, his mother, Yelena “Lena” Trufanova, and his grandmother, Irena Tati. His father, Vitaly Troufanov, was killed on October 7.
Later, due to a request from Russian President Vladimir Putin, his mother and grandmother were released on November 29, 2023. Cohen was freed the following day as part of a weeklong ceasefire deal.
Iair Horn
Iair Horn, 46, was kidnapped by Hamas from Kibbutz Nir Oz, where a quarter of the residents were killed by the group.
He worked in construction and managed the local pub in the Kibbutz. Additionally, he organized social events and community activities.
Despite his release, his brother, Eitan Horn, remains in Hamas captivity.