Three Israeli Hostages Released After Nearly 500 Days in Hamas Captivity

Latest Developments

• Three Hostages Freed, Including American: Israel welcomed home three hostages on February 15 who had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza since the Iran-backed Hamas terrorist organization committed mass atrocities in Israel on October 7, 2023. U.S. citizen Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36, Alexander Sasha Troufanov, 29, and Iair Horn, 46, were freed in the fifth round of releases since the 42-day ceasefire agreement went into effect on January 19, 2025. Horn’s brother, Eitan, is still held by Hamas in Gaza. Hamas has committed to releasing 12 additional hostages before March 2 in return for hundreds of Palestinian terrorists.
• Deal Put in Jeopardy by Hamas, Trump Gives Ultimatum: Hamas initially suspended the release of the three men on February 10, claiming that Israel was in violation of the ceasefire agreement – allegations an Israeli official said were “fake.” U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on February 11 that “all hell is going to break out” if Hamas did not release all remaining hostages by Saturday at noon, and the terrorist organization subsequently walked back its suspension, releasing the three hostages as scheduled. Trump said in a February 15 statement following the release that “Israel will now have to decide what they will do about the 12:00 deadline imposed on the release of all hostages,” adding that “the United States will back the decision they make!”
• Release of Three Hostages in Exchange for Hundreds of Palestinian Prisoners: Israel released 369 Palestinians on February 15 in exchange for the hostages, many of whom were incarcerated on terrorism charges and 36 of whom were serving life sentences. Some 12 of the 36 prisoners with life sentences will be released into the West Bank, while 24 others are set to be deported.

FDD Expert Response

“In the days leading up to today’s hostage release, Hamas threatened the foundation of the ceasefire deal, once again illustrating the group’s cynical and exploitive attempts to derail negotiations and project power. President Donald Trump is correct in insisting that all hostages be returned, not just three at a time. Unless Hamas is deterred, it is likely to continue its attempts to manipulate the terms of the deal.” — Seth J. Frantzman, Adjunct Fellow

“Ultimatums from the United States and Israel eventually forced Hamas to back down from its threats and continue the hostage release as planned. But the release of the three men today is still a far cry from President Trump’s demand for the terrorist organization to release the remaining 73 hostages lest “all hell” breaks out. As the president made clear, it is now Israel’s choice whether to continue the deal or makes good on these ultimatums.” — Aaron Goren, Research Analyst and Editor

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘We’ll See How Tough They Are’: Trump Piles Pressure on Hamas to Meet Deadline for Release of Israeli Hostages”, FDD Flash Brief

“‘On Highest Alert for Every Scenario’: Hamas Announces Suspension of Israeli Hostage Releases From Gaza Until Further Notice”, FDD Flash Brief

“Israeli Troops Pull Back from Key Corridor Bisecting Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief