- February 15, 2025
- 3:12 pm
- Israel
After 498 days in captivity in the Gaza Strip, Alexander Trufanov, Yair Horn, and Sagi Dekel-Hen returned home.
Release of Israeli Hostages
On February 15, 2025, three Israeli hostages—Alexander Trufanov, Yair Horn, and Sagi Dekel-Hen—were released from Hamas captivity. Their return became a symbol of hope and resilience for Israel. The release was part of a complex deal in which 369 Palestinian prisoners were freed from Israeli jails, including 24 sentenced to life for murdering Israelis.
Ceremony and Propaganda
The release was accompanied by a propaganda show by Hamas. The stage in Gaza was decorated with provocative slogans:
- “No deportation except to Jerusalem”—a direct response to the Gaza relocation plan.
- “Hello, Al-Quds, we are your warriors”—a statement linking terrorists to Jerusalem.
- “We passed through them like a ray of sunshine”—a caption on photos of destroyed Israeli kibbutzim after the October 7 attack.
The hostages were forced to speak in front of a crowd of militants before being handed over to Red Cross representatives. By 10:45 a.m., they crossed the border and returned to Israel.
Who Are the Released Hostages?
| Name | Date of Capture | Age | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Trufanov | October 7, 2023 | 34 | Journalist |
| Yair Horn | October 7, 2023 | 27 | Student |
| Sagi Dekel-Hen | October 7, 2023 | 30 | Engineer |
The hostages endured nearly 500 days of harsh captivity, often facing psychological pressure.
Complications of the Exchange
The exchange was not without difficulties. While Israeli hostages were undergoing the transfer procedure, Palestinian prisoners were simultaneously released from Israeli prisons. Among them was Ahmad Barghouti, an aide to a high-ranking terrorist. In total, 369 people were freed, many of whom had been involved in attacks on Israeli civilians.
Before their release, the prisoners were made to wear T-shirts with a magen david and the Arabic phrase “We will not forget, we will not forgive”. They were also shown a documentary about the destruction in the Gaza Strip.
Reaction in Israel
In Israel, the release caused mixed emotions. On the one hand, there was joy for their safe return; on the other, concern about the high cost of the deal.
Quote from one of the released hostages’ mothers:
“We waited 498 days for this moment. We never lost hope, not even for a minute.”
What’s Next?
Currently, 73 Israelis remain in Hamas captivity, both living and dead. The initial phases of the exchange involve the release of 14 individuals, while further negotiations are ongoing.
Conclusion
The story of the return of the Israeli hostages on February 15, 2025, is a reminder of the resilience of our nation and the importance of every citizen. Each freed hostage represents a victory made possible through complex negotiations, hard work, and faith in justice.
NAnews News Israel-Ukraine continues to report on such events, highlighting the connection between the Israeli and Ukrainian diasporas and their shared struggle for freedom and justice. Stay with us for all the latest updates from Israel.
