KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — The sixth exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners between Israel and Hamas took place on Saturday, just over two weeks before the expiration of a fragile ceasefire in Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel to commence his Middle Eastern tour as the situation continues to evolve.
Residents in Israel expressed a sense of relief as three hostages—Argentinian-Israeli Iair Horn, 46; American-Israeli Sagui Dekel Chen, 36; and Russian-Israeli Alexander Troufanov, 29—were returned in better health compared to those released in the previous exchange. Troufanov received the heartbreaking news of his father’s death from the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which sparked a brutal 16-month conflict. Chen had the opportunity to meet his youngest daughter for the first time upon his release, while Horn’s brother, Eitan, remains unaccounted for.
The exchange process involved armed militants making the weakened hostages speak to onlookers before delivering them to the International Red Cross in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza. Following the returning of the hostages, 369 Palestinian prisoners were released as part of the arrangement. Just days prior, tensions had escalated over conditional negotiations related to the ceasefire, but Hamas agreed to progress with the exchange after mediators from Egypt and Qatar committed to easing restrictions that would enable Israel to send more essential aid into Gaza, which has been severely affected by the conflict.
The fragile truce was further complicated by President Donald Trump’s proposal, suggesting the resettlement of Gaza’s over 2 million Palestinians to other regions. Rubio is expected to discuss these developments beginning with his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday. Trump later asserted on social media that Israel faced a crucial deadline regarding the release of hostages, a claim that Israel did not corroborate, as Netanyahu’s office stated that a Cabinet meeting would be held to deliberate subsequent actions.
In the West Bank, released Palestinian prisoners received a warm welcome, although some appeared malnourished, with four requiring medical attention according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. Meanwhile, buses transported 333 released prisoners back to Gaza. The ceasefire, which came into effect on January 19, has thus far facilitated the release of 21 hostages and more than 730 Palestinian prisoners in its first phase.
Despite this progress, no substantial agreements have been made regarding the next phase of the ceasefire, where Hamas would be required to relinquish the remaining hostages in exchange for an end to hostilities. The three recently freed hostages had been taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the communities severely impacted during the October 7 attack.
Horn’s family expressed gratitude for his return, stating, “Now, we can breathe a little. Our Iair is home after surviving hell in Gaza.” Meanwhile, Chen’s wife joyfully shared her feelings upon reuniting her husband with their family for the first time since his abduction. Troufanov’s family also expressed profound relief and gratitude at his return following an earlier release of female family members during a temporary ceasefire.
Of the 251 individuals kidnapped during the initial attack, only 73 are still believed to be held in Gaza, with reports indicating that many of them are presumed dead. One hostage, Keith Siegel, detailed the horrific treatment he endured as the conflict intensified, with instances of physical abuse and deprivation.
The exchange included 36 Palestinians serving life sentences due to their involvement in fatal attacks against Israelis. Among them was Ahmed Barghouti, a close associate of renowned Palestinian political figure Marwan Barghouti, with plans to exile 24 others. Families of released prisoners expressed overwhelming joy upon reuniting with their loved ones after long separations.
Israel agreed to release over 1,000 detainees from Gaza as long as they were not involved in the October 7 attack. Notably, the Israeli Prison Service released many of the prisoners wearing apparel containing a Star of David and the saying “Never forgive, never forget” in Arabic. Some prisoners displayed their frustrations by burning these garments.
Despite the current ceasefire, concerns linger over its stability as Netanyahu’s far-right allies are eager for offensive military actions against Hamas, which continues to maintain control over Gaza after enduring one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent memory. Hamas may hesitate to release further hostages if it anticipates that warfare will resume.
Many in Israel are advocating for a comprehensive deal to secure the return of all remaining hostages, fearing that time is critical. There have been calls for senior negotiations to secure the release of the abductees. A mother of a hostage expressed her fears that inaction could jeopardize the lives of those still in captivity.
Complications also arise from Trump’s relocation proposal for Palestinians, which has garnered support from the Israeli government while being rebuffed by both Arab nations and Palestinians who fear permanent displacement. Human rights advocates have labeled the potential relocations as a violation of international law.
Trump presented the idea that upon the war’s conclusion, Israel would transfer Gaza’s administration to the United States for redevelopment as the anticipated “Riviera of the Middle East.” The conflict has precipitated immense humanitarian crises, with reports indicating that over 48,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, predominantly women and children, and affecting nearly the entirety of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
As displacement escalated, a substantial portion of the population has returned to wrecked homes, often discovering ruins and remnants of the conflict. Meanwhile, Israel has reported significant casualties among militant groups without further evidence to clarify figures, illustrating the ongoing complexities of the situation.
