Hamas name three Israeli hostages to be freed today

Hamas yesterday released the names of the hostages expected to be freed today: Iair Horn, 46, Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, and Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov, 29, will be released after 498 days in captivity.

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All three were taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz on 7 October, 2023. More than 300 Palestinians will also be freed today.

The move follows a week of tension as Hamas accused Israel of reneging on ceasefires deals, including firing shells on civilians, and threatened to postpone the release of hostages. But the group agreed to comply after mediation.

Israel, with the support of Donald Trump, had said it would resume fighting if the hostages were not freed. Hamas said Israel was not allowing enough shelters, medical supplies, fuel and heavy equipment for clearing rubble into Gaza, among other alleged violations of the truce.

The sides have carried out five swaps since the ceasefire began on 19 January, freeing 21 hostages and more than 730 Palestinians so far during the first phase of the truce.