After enduring 498 harrowing days in Hamas captivity, Israeli hostages Sagui Dekel-Chen, Sasha Troufanov, and Iair Horn have finally returned to Israel. Escorted out of Gaza by Israeli special forces following their handover by the Red Cross, the three men were brought to a secure facility near the border for initial medical evaluations and to reunite with their families.  

Before releasing Sasha Troufanov, Iair Horn, and Sagui Dekel-Chen, terrorists took the opportunity to terrorize them one last time with a propaganda spectacle. pic.twitter.com/OpLoWnW0hn

— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) February 15, 2025

 

Looking frail and visibly weakened, the former hostages walked slowly as they were transferred, their pale faces reflecting the ordeal they had endured. Their families, overwhelmed with relief, expressed profound gratitude to the IDF and the Israeli people for their unwavering support throughout the long months of uncertainty. "We are overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude for Sasha’s return home after 498 long and tormenting days in captivity," said Troufanov’s family, recalling the trauma of his abduction on October 7, when he was shot in both legs and taken hostage.

 

Despite their joy, they acknowledged the painful reality that he may not yet know his father was murdered on the same day. "This knowledge – or lack thereof – will completely transform his homecoming from a day of great joy to one of deep mourning for his beloved father," they said.  

 

Iair Horn’s family also expressed both relief and continued anguish. "Now we can breathe a little. Our Iair is home after surviving hell in Gaza. Now, we need to bring [hostage brother] Eitan back so our family can truly breathe," they said. Their focus remains on securing the release of all remaining hostages, with a commitment to "continue working to bring Eitan and all other hostages home."  

 

For Sagui Dekel-Chen, the moment of freedom carried additional emotion as he learned he had become a father for the third time while in captivity. "I’m great," he responded upon hearing the news that his daughter was born two months after his abduction.  

 

Their return comes amid tensions between Israel and Hamas over the implementation of hostage agreements. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office condemned Hamas’s actions, stating, "This week too, Hamas attempted to violate the agreement and create a false crisis with baseless claims. Thanks to the deployment of our forces inside and around Gaza, and thanks to President Trump’s clear and unequivocal statement, Hamas backed down, and the release of the hostages continued."

 

The government reaffirmed its commitment to recovering every hostage, both the living and the fallen. "We are working in full coordination with the United States to rescue all our hostages as quickly as possible, and we are fully prepared for what comes next, in every respect," the statement continued.  

 

The three freed men will now begin the difficult process of rehabilitation, both physically and emotionally, with the full support of their families and the Israeli government. The moment of their return was met with cheers and tears from loved ones and the wider public, but the struggle is not over. Families of other captives vowed to keep pushing until every last hostage is safely back home.

 

Based on a report by AP | TOI 2025-02-15

 

 

Well done Israel.

If the murdering Hamas do not release the rest, start the bombing again.