Sasha (Alexander) Tropanov, Sagi Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn, who have been held captive by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, were released today as part of the sixth phase of the hostage deal. The three men arrived at the junction point in Khan Yunis, where they were handed over to the Red Cross before being transferred to IDF forces at the border for medical assessments.
Before leaving the Red Cross vehicles, Dekel-Chen addressed the crowd, saying in Hebrew, “I am finally coming out into the sun, coming out into the light from the place that separates me from life. I want to shout the cry of my friends who were left behind. I call on leaders on both sides to bring about the continuation of the second and third phases.”
Yair Horn, returning home after 498 days, said, "I am returning home, but I am leaving behind my brother, Eitan, and other abductees. They need to be returned, their time and that of the families is running out." Sasha Tropanov added, "We are happy, but we do not forget the other abductees."
Medical Assessment and Family Support
Following an initial medical assessment, the three hostages will be sent to Sheba and Ichilov hospitals for further care. IDF personnel are accompanying the returnees, ensuring their safe transfer and providing updates to family members awaiting their loved ones.
Dekel-Chen’s family, upon seeing the first photos of him from Khan Yunis, expressed overwhelming relief: “We are happy, it’s a huge relief, we want to hug him.” Dekel-Chen was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz, where a tragic attack on October 7 led to the abduction of many residents, including his pregnant wife, Avital, who gave birth during his captivity.
Tropanov, originally from Tel Aviv, was kidnapped while visiting his family in Nir Oz. His mother, Yelena, and grandmother were released after 54 days, due to their Russian citizenship. Tragically, Tropanov’s father, Vitaly, was killed in the attack on the kibbutz.
Yair Horn, 45, was also abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz. His family, who had been waiting anxiously for his return, expressed their joy and continued resolve: "After 498 days, Yair is returning to our home. Now, all that remains is to bring Eitan back so that our family can truly breathe."
Horn’s mother, Ruthie, echoed the sentiment of gratitude and determination: “Thank you very much to the entire Jewish people. We will continue to fight until the last kidnapped person is returned.”
Government and Hamas Statements
The Prime Minister’s Office welcomed the release, emphasizing that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of all hostages. “We are working in full coordination with the United States to rescue all of our hostages—alive or dead— as quickly as possible,” the statement read.
However, Hamas also issued a statement, asserting that any future releases will only be possible through continued negotiations and Israel's commitment to a ceasefire agreement. The organization warned that Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque are "red lines" for Palestinians, signaling their stance on future negotiations.
Efforts to Secure the Release of Remaining Hostages
Despite the significant relief felt by the families of the hostages released today, the fight to bring home the remaining 76 hostages continues. The focus remains on securing the release of those still in captivity, including Yair Horn’s brother, Eitan, and many others held by Hamas. The hostage deal, while progressing, is a reminder of the long road ahead for families and officials involved in the effort to secure their loved ones' freedom.
Comments