What we know
- Hamas today freed hostages Sasha Alexander Troufanov, Iair Horn and Israeli American Sagui Dekel-Chen, who were siezed in kibbutz Nir Oz, a community that was especially hard hit during the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack that triggered the war.
- Israel released 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees during the sixth exchange under a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. More than 300 were sent to the Gaza Strip.
- As of today, 19 Israeli and five Thai hostages have been released from Gaza, and more than 1,000 Palestinians set free from Israeli detention.
- Earlier this week, the truce appeared close to breaking down after Hamas said it was suspending today’s hostage release and accused Israel of violating the terms of the deal.
- Hamas agreed to restart the releases after threats from President Donald Trump and Israeli officials, and cajoling from Arab leaders and intermediaries.
Sixth phase of ceasefire exchange complete, says Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross said today that it has completed the sixth phase of the hostage and prisoner exchange.
Three hostages were transferred out of the Gaza Strip to Israel, and a total of 369 Palestinian detainees were released from Israeli custody today, it said.
However, the ICRC said it remained concerned over the way that hostage and detainee releases were being carried out, and said more must be done by all sides to ensure transfers with carried out in a "dignified and private manner."
Israelis react as Hamas releases 3 more hostages amid ceasefire tensions
Participants in Israeli watch parties reacted as three more hostages were released by Hamas, including an American Israeli, Sagui Dekel-Chen.
Returning hostages arrive at Israeli hospitals
The three returning hostages have arrived at hospitals in Israel where they will receive medical treatment and be reunited with their families.
Sasha Alexander Troufanov and Sagui Dekel-Chen arrived earlier at Sheba hospital by helicopter, shortly before Iair Horn landed at Ichilov hospital.
Images and video released by the IDF showed Iair Horn — wearing a Hapoel Be'er Sheva soccer shirt and scarf — sharing tearful embraces with members of his family, also dressed in soccer regalia.
Photos show Palestinian prisoners wearing Star of David t-shirts
Palestinian prisoners and detainees released today have been set free wearing t-shirts bearing the Star of David, a symbol of Jewish identity, alongside the slogan “We do not forget, nor do we forgive.”
Israeli outlet Ynetnews published images showing 10 men on their knees wearing the shirts while facing away from the camera. A spokesperson for Israel’s prison office confirmed that Palestinians were given the t-shirts to wear upon their release.
A video from the Palestinian Prisoners' Office taken in the Gaza Strip after the men were released showed people throwing the t-shirts to the floor and setting them on fire.
The militant group Islamic Jihad called the t-shirts a violation of international humanitarian laws.
Hostage's daughter urges dialogue and peace amid fears for father's life
The daughter of one of the hostages still trapped in Gaza said it is “incredible” to see each of freed hostages return to Israel, but feared for her elderly father's life.
Sharone Lifschitz’s father, Oded, a human rights and peace activist, was taken from kibbutz Niz Or with his wife, Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, who was freed in October 2023, after 17 days in Hamas captivity.
His name is on the list of the hostages set to be freed in the first phase of the ceasefire, but each release goes by Sharone knows that...
“My father is 84 and frail, and the fact that he’s not being returned to us increases the chances that he’s no longer with us,” she told NBC News. “We know his chances are slim."
Despite her worries, Lifschitz urged for hope and peace, and emphasized the need for dialogue and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.
“We have two very traumatized societies," she said, expressing concerns that leadership on both sides would be unable to help move toward peace. Her hope is that Israelis and Palestinians can create a "sustainable present" for the next generation.
"You need the cessation of wars so that you can build a generation that can carry us to the next," she added.
Hostages strike different tone during speeches on Hamas stage
Surrounded by masked fighters each holding a rifle, the three Israeli hostages freed today spoke on stage in the Gaza Strip before being transferred into the custody of the Red Cross, as had happened during last week’s release.
During a brief choreographed appearance surrounded by armed and masked fighters, the trio expressed relief, hope and happiness while urging continued efforts to bring all captives home. Sagui Dekel-Chen called on leaders to honor the ceasefire agreement for the benefit of millions of Israelis. Iair Horn said he was leaving his brother behind in captivity, and said time was running out for the remaining hostages.
Israel president Isaac Herzog again condemned the “disgusting and cynical ceremony” by which Hamas released the hostages.
The messages were delivered under the watchful eye of armed men, but appeared measured and the men in apparent good health. Today stood in stark contrast to last week’s on-stage hostage appearances, which sparked anger and condemnation as observers questioned the genuineness of the statements critical of the Israeli government.
And unlike last week's returning hostages who were malnourished and emaciated upon their release, the three hostages set free today also appeared relatively healthy although pale.
Around 73 hostages remain Gaza, 35 presumed dead
About 73 hostages now remain in Gaza, 35 of whom are presumed dead, according to Israeli authorities.
The Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, saw over 250 people abducted, while three of the hostages still in Gaza were taken before the attack.
During a weeklong truce in November 2023, 105 hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. So far, 19 Israeli and five Thai hostages have been released and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees have been freed in the first, 42-day phase of the agreement.
Trump backs Israel's decision on hostage release deadline
President Donald Trump said the three hostages released “seem to be in good shape” and added that the United States will support whatever decision Israel makes regarding the continuation of the ceasefire.
Trump had warned last week that “all hell is going to break out” if Hamas did not release “all” the remaining hostages today, after said it would not release the captives as agreed because of what it said were Israeli ceasefire violations.
The fragile ceasefire held after Hamas said it would free hostages today.
“Israel will now have to decide what they will do about the 12:00 O’CLOCK, TODAY, DEADLINE imposed on the release of ALL HOSTAGES,” he wrote on Truth Social. “The United States will back the decision they make!”
Israeli officials did not immediately respond to Trump's statement.
Video and photos capture emotional Dekel-Chen reunion
Footage released by the IDF has captured the heartwarming moment that Sagui Dekel-Chen was reunited with his wife and parents at a reception point in southern Israel shortly after his release.
Dekel-Chen sags and smiles and his wife lets out a cry and throws her arms around her husband as the two see each other for the first time in 16 months. As the pair embrace, he kisses her cheek and she cries into his shoulder.
Sagui then hugs his mother Naomit and father Yonatan, who says "welcome back" before holding his son.
Buses carrying Palestinian prisoners and detainees arrive in Gaza
Buses carrying Palestinian detainees and prisoners from Israeli have arrived at the European Hospital in Gaza, east of Khan Younis.
Crowds gathered and held their phones above their heads, cheering and whistling as the buses passed through. Some of the prisoners leaned out of the windows, waving and posing for photos on their way.
The Israeli prison service says it released 369 prisoners today as part of the ceasefire deal that saw three hostages freed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad earlier today.
More than 300 of those prisoners are expected to be released in Gaza.