Hamas and Israel carry out fifth prisoner swap under Gaza ceasefire deal
The sixth Israel-Hamas hostage and prisoner exchange took place on Saturday, marking a critical moment in the fragile Gaza ceasefire. With just over two weeks left in the initial phase of the truce, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel to begin a Middle East tour aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis.
This latest development has brought both relief and renewed tension to the region. Here’s what you need to know about the exchange, the ceasefire, and what’s next for Israel and Gaza.
Hostages Return Home Amid Emotional Reunions
Three hostages were released during the exchange:
- Iair Horn, 46, an Argentinian-Israeli
- Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, an American-Israeli
- Alexander Troufanov, 29, a Russian-Israeli
The hostages appeared in better condition than those freed a week ago, offering a glimmer of hope for their families. However, the emotional toll remains heavy:
- Troufanov learned of his father’s death during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack that sparked the 16-month war.
- Chen met his youngest daughter for the first time after his wife gave birth while he was in captivity.
- Horn’s brother, Eitan, remains a hostage, leaving the family’s ordeal unresolved.
The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, a southern Gaza city, after being paraded before a crowd by armed militants. In exchange, 369 Palestinian prisoners were released, many of whom were greeted by cheering crowds in the occupied West Bank.
Ceasefire Hangs in the Balance
The ceasefire, which began on January 19, has been fraught with tension. A recent dispute threatened to derail the agreement, but Hamas agreed to proceed after mediators Egypt and Qatar pledged to “remove all hurdles” for delivering essential supplies like tents and medical aid to Gaza.
Key details of the ceasefire so far:
- 21 hostages and over 730 Palestinian prisoners have been freed.
- The first phase of the truce is set to expire in two weeks.
- No substantive negotiations have begun for the second phase, which would involve Hamas releasing all remaining hostages in exchange for an end to the war.
U.S. Involvement and Regional Tensions
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Israel underscores the international community’s focus on the crisis. Rubio is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the ceasefire and other pressing issues, including former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Gaza’s over 2 million Palestinians.
Trump’s social media post added to the tension, falsely claiming Israel faced a deadline to release all hostages. While Israel has not imposed such a deadline, Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the Cabinet would convene soon to decide on next steps.
What’s Next for Israel and Gaza?
As the ceasefire’s first phase nears its end, critical questions remain:
- Will Hamas release all remaining hostages?
- Can the truce be extended to allow more aid into Gaza?
- How will regional and international actors influence the next steps?
Families of the hostages continue to advocate for their loved ones. “Now, we can breathe a little. Our Iair is home after surviving hell in Gaza,” Horn’s family said. “Now, we need to bring Eitan back so our family can truly breathe.”
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