Hostage Exchange Eases Tensions Amid Fragile Gaza Ceasefire

Israeli hostages Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen and Sasha Troufanov are expected to be released by Hamas, in a deal brokered by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. The exchange, involving Palestinian detainees, aims to uphold a ceasefire amid ongoing tensions and humanitarian crises in Gaza.

Israeli hostages Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Sasha Troufanov are set to return home from Gaza this Saturday. This development follows mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar, which helped avert a potential standoff that threatened a month-long ceasefire.

The deal involves the exchange of the hostages for 369 Palestinian prisoners. The release has sparked protests in Israel, with citizens urging the government to continue efforts to bring home all captives. Simultaneously, geopolitical tensions persist, fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial call for permanent relocation of Palestinians out of Gaza.

The truce, initially brokered to facilitate further negotiations and humanitarian efforts, faces challenges. Israel and Hamas have exchanged accusations over obstructed aid deliveries into Gaza, while international aid workers struggle to meet the needs of the affected population amidst the enduring conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)