Three Israeli hostages, Sasha Troufanov (29), Sagui Dekel-Chen (36), and Yair Horn (46) were released from captivity in Gaza on Shabbos morning.

The release was coordinated by Hamas and Islamic Jihad as Troufanov was held by Islamic Jihad and Horen and Dekel-Chen were held by Hamas.

Before their release, a cruel propaganda ceremony, coordinated by both Hamas and Islamic Jihad, was held in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. The men were forced onto the stage, ordered to speak before the audience, and received “release” certificates.

In response to President Donald Trump’s plans to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, one of the signs at the ceremony stated that “there is no migration except to Jerusalem.”

During the ceremony, Horn was forced to hold an hourglass with pictures of Einav Tsangauker and her son Matan with the caption “Time is running out.” Einav, whose son is being held hostage in Gaza, is one of the most active participants in the left-wing protests in Tel Aviv calling for a hostage deal.

The Prime Minister’s Office stated on Motzei Shabbos that “today we welcomed back three of our hostages: Yair Horn, Alexander Sasha Tropanov, and Sagai Dekel-Chen. We embrace them warmly. We were prepared for their return and together with their families we will assist in their rehabilitation after the long and painful days in captivity.”

Later, officials in Netanyahu’s office added that “this week Hamas also tried to violate the agreement and create a fake crisis with false claims. Thanks to the concentration of our forces inside the Strip and around it, and thanks to President Trump’s clear and unequivocal statement, Hamas backed down and the release of the hostages continues.”

“We are operating in full coordination with the United States in order to rescue all our hostages – both living and deceased – as quickly as possible, and we are prepared in full force for the continuation, in every sense.”

(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)