In the sixth recent hostage release today (Saturday), the three hostages Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov (29), Sagui Dekel-Chen (36), and Iair Horn (46) returned to Israel from Hamas captivity.
The three arrived safely after being transferred into the custody of IDF forces. Upon arrival, they were taken to the hospital for urgent medical examinations and further evaluation.
Preparations for the Hostages’ Return
In the early morning hours, preparations began for the transfer of the hostages, after Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad paraded them on a stage in southern Gaza in a propaganda-filled release ceremony. Concurrently, the IDF and security forces prepared to receive them.
Around 08:35, Red Cross vehicles departed for the meeting point. Organization representatives were positioned to carry out the hostage transfer, while families in Israel anxiously followed the developments.
Shortly after 10:00 the transfer of the hostages began, and they were seen walking on their own. One of them required assistance while walking and initial images showed signs of fatigue, but their condition was defined as stable.
Back on Israeli Soil
At 10:45, the hostages crossed the border into Israel under the escort of security forces. Following initial medical examinations at a reception point in southern Israel, it was reported their health condition was deemed as “moderate.”
At 12:40, the three hostages were transferred by helicopter to Ichilov and Sheba hospitals, where their families awaited them, and their emotional reunions were filled with hugs and tears. One of the hostages learned of his daughter’s birth during his captivity, while others were met with difficult news.
By the afternoon, medical teams reported that the returnees were in stable condition but would require prolonged rehabilitation. The families expressed gratitude for their loved ones’ return and emphasized that efforts to bring back the remaining hostages would continue.
“Welcoming Them with a Big Hug”
The Prime Minister’s Office stated: “We welcome them with a big hug,” emphasizing that the country had vigorously prepared for their return and would support them and their families throughout their entire rehabilitation process.
The statement also referred to Hamas’ attempts to obstruct their release: “Once again, this week Hamas tried to violate the agreement and create a fake crisis with false claims.” However according to the statement, due to the IDF’s preparedness both inside and outside Gaza, as well as “President Trump’s clear and unequivocal stance,” the terrorists backed down and allowed the process to continue.
It was also stated that Israel is working in full coordination with the United States to secure the release of all hostages— both the living and the fallen — as quickly as possible, with full readiness for any scenario.
Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov
Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov was abducted from his parents’ home in Nir Oz along with his mother, Yelena, his grandmother, Irina (Tati), and his partner Sapir Cohen, who was visiting his family for the first time. His father, Vitaly Troufanov, was murdered. His family immigrated to Israel from the Soviet Union 25 years ago and settled in the kibbutz, and Alexander worked as an engineer in Amazon’s cloud division. Irina and Yelena were released in November as part of Hamas’ ‘goodwill gesture’ to Putin.
In May, the Islamic Jihad released a video showing Troufanov, in which he “requested” the reinstatement of Al Jazeera broadcasts in Israel, among other things. Another video of him was published on November 13th 2024, two days after he marked his second birthday in captivity.
Sagui Dekel-Chen
Sagui is married to Avital and the father of two daughters, seven-year-old Be’eri and three-year-old Gali. He was abducted while his wife was pregnant with their third daughter. Sagui is one of the founders of the Bikurim Youth Village, a social and business entrepreneur. Together with his wife, he operates “Columbus”; a traveling grocery store inside a bus, moving between peripheral southern communities that lack permanent grocery stores.
His mother Naamit Dekel-Chen was also kidnapped, and in a vehicle en route to Gaza on October 7th when an IDF helicopter eliminated the terrorists. She managed to escape the scene, and every time she encountered terrorists she pretended to be dead, thus surviving. Sagui’s third daughter, Shachar Mazal, was born while he was in Hamas captivity.
Iair Horn
Iair Horn, 46, from Nir Oz, was abducted along with his brother Eitan, who was visiting him at the kibbutz. He works in renovations and construction and is considered an active and central figure in the community. Iair organizes parties, leads holiday activities, and manages the local pub.
His mother, Ruti, shared: “Iair is someone who loves life; he’s a stand-up comedian and a radio broadcaster. Everywhere he goes, he leaves his mark.”
