Hostages in Tense Exchange Amid Fragile Ceasefire

Israeli hostages Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Sasha Troufanov are set to return from Gaza following mediation by Egypt and Qatar. Hamas will exchange them for 369 Palestinian prisoners, amid accusations of ceasefire violations. The situation remains tense with potential implications for future hostages' release.

Three Israeli hostages, Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Sasha Troufanov, are expected to be freed on Saturday following intervention from Egyptian and Qatari mediators. This development comes after negotiations with Hamas, which demands the release of 369 Palestinian prisoners in exchange, as part of efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire.

The hostages, seized in a violent raid on Kibbutz Nir Oz by Hamas gunmen on October 7, 2023, will be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross. They will then be transported to Israeli forces. This release comes amid continued high tensions, with both Israeli and Palestinian forces on alert due to previous breaches of the ceasefire agreement.

Intense debates continue around the humanitarian impact as international aid efforts respond to Gaza's dire conditions, worsened by Israel's military actions and blockades. Meanwhile, protests in Israel demand government accountability and adherence to agreements to ensure the return of all hostages.

(With inputs from agencies.)