Hamas terrorists were seen holding IDF equipment, wearing IDF uniforms, and carrying weapons stolen from Israeli forces during the October 7 massacre at the transfer point in Khan Yunis, where the Red Cross collected Sagui Dekel-Chen, Alexander Sasha Troufanov, and Iair Horn on Saturday morning, who were then transferred to IDF custody.
After 498 days in captivity, the three then crossed into Israeli territory with Israeli forces, the IDF announced, where they reunited with their families. The three then boarded IAF helicopters with their families to hospitals where they will be treated. Troufanov and Dekel-Chen arrived at Sheba Medical Center. Horn asked, before he arrived at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, to have his his helicopter fly over Turner Stadium, as he is a fan of Hapoel Beersheba FC.
לבקשתו של יאיר הורן, המסוק שלו טס מעל איצטדיון טרנר. יאיר הוא אוהד של הפועל באר שבע@Itsik_zuarets pic.twitter.com/KPmgyBf2gP
— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) February 15, 2025
The three were given to the Red Cross by Hamas via a vehicle that was seized in Israel on October 7 and brought to Gaza, the terrorist organization said on Saturday.
Hamas also said that they have "gifted" Dekel-Chen with a gold coin in honor of his daughter that was born while he was still in captivity.
"Their return today represents a moment of light in the darkness, along with a painful reminder of the urgency to bring back the 73 hostages still in Gaza," said The Hostages and Missing Families Forum. "The testimonies of those who have returned and the signs of life leave no room for doubt - time has run out for the hostages! We must reach a comprehensive and immediate agreement, without phases and without delays, that will return all hostages."
Hamas responds to Trump Gaza plan
At the stage where Hamas will release the hostages, there were banners printed a phrase in English, Hebrew, and Arabic phrase, saying “no migration except to Jerusalem” - a likely reference to US President Donald Trump’s statements regarding relocating Gazan residents and his plans to take over the Strip.
This is the sixth wave of hostage releases in the deal's first phase between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in response to their release: "These are not horror movie scripts—this is the reality of innocent civilians abducted by Hamas terrorists, and now being freed after 498 days in the tunnels and dungeons of Gaza.
"Sagui, Sasha, Iair—we have waited for you so long! After the despicable and cynical ceremony you were forced to endure, we are happy that you are now being reunited with your families."
This is a developing story.