Three Israeli hostages captured from Kibbutz Nir-Oz during the October 7 attacks were released Saturday morning, ending their nearly 500-day ordeal in Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad captivity.
Red Cross arrived at the designated release point in Khan Younis, where Alexandre Sasha Troufanov, Sagui Dekel Chen, and Iair Horn awaited their freedom.
Video: The scenes in Israel awaiting the release / Shmuel Buchris
Hamas has prepared a ceremonial stage in Khan Younis for the release proceedings. Banners displayed at the site proclaim "No migration except to Jerusalem," a direct response to President Donald Trump's proposed Gaza migration initiative. Troufanov was freed from Palestinian Islamic Jihad custody while Dekel Chen and Horn was released from Hamas captivity.
Minute by minute developments:
10:46 a.m.: Israeli media report all three hostages are now back on Israeli soil.
10:17 a.m.: The IDF and Shin Bet confirm that according to information from the Red Cross, three hostages have been transferred to their custody and are being escorted to IDF and Shin Bet forces in Gaza.
10:14 a.m.: The three returnees have boarded Red Cross vehicles.
10:10 a.m.: Emotional scenes at Hostages Square as crowds cheer upon seeing Sasha, Yair and Sagi at the transfer point.
10:08 a.m.: The three men, walking independently, address gathered officials at the transfer point.
10:03 a.m.: Release ceremony begins with Red Cross representative and terror organization representative on stage.
9:58 a.m.: Hamas's "Shadow Unit," responsible for holding hostages, arrives at transfer point in Khan Younis.
9:41 a.m.: Red Cross vehicles have arrived at the designated transfer point.
9:00 a.m.: A Hamas source told Al Jazeera that the terror organization gave hostage Sagui Dekel a piece of gold as a gift for his daughter, who was born four months after his capture.
8:55 a.m.: A photo shows an hourglass displayed alongside a picture of hostage Matan Tzangauker.
8:39 a.m.: A Hamas spokesman said the morning's resumption of hostage releases comes after the terror organization received guarantees from mediators that Israel would be bound by the ceasefire agreement.
8:36 a.m.: A security source reports the Red Cross is now making its way to the collection point for three returning hostages.
8:39 a.m.: A Hamas spokesperson confirmed that the morning's hostage transfer resumption aligns with the organization's commitments to mediators and receipt of guarantees regarding Israeli compliance with the ceasefire agreement.
8:36 a.m.: A security source confirmed the Red Cross is currently en route to the designated collection point for the three returning hostages.
Israeli officials anticipate the returnees will require immediate medical attention due to the severe physical deterioration and health impacts of prolonged captivity, including torture and malnutrition. Medical teams stand ready at Camp Reim to provide initial care before transferring the men to hospitals for extended recovery.
The Health Ministry has designated Sheba and Ichilov hospitals as primary care facilities for the returnees following their initial medical assessment. Barzilai and Soroka hospitals remain on standby for any urgent medical interventions. Alexandre Sasha Troufanov and Sagui Dekel Chen will receive care at Sheba Hospital, while Iair Horn will be treated at Ichilov Hospital.
Concurrent with the hostage release, Palestinian media outlets report that the sixth phase of the agreement includes the release of 36 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 333 additional detainees arrested during Gaza operations following October 7, 2023.
In response to the concerning condition of three hostages freed last week, Israel has demanded comprehensive care for those remaining in captivity, including medical treatment, adequate nutrition, condition reporting, and Red Cross visitation rights.
A senior diplomatic source stated Friday, "We are working in full coordination with the United States to rescue as many living hostages as possible, as quickly as possible, and we intend to fully utilize this opportunity. After that - all options are open." Reports indicate intensifying US-Israeli efforts to expedite the release of six remaining living hostages from the first phase roster in the immediate future, while Jerusalem and Washington maintain ongoing dialogue regarding strategies to secure freedom for all remaining captives.
