Israel has received confirmation from Egypt and Qatar regarding the names of three hostages that Hamas is set to release on Shabbos, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The three individuals identified for release are Sasha Trufanov (29), Sagui Dekel-Chen (36), and Yair Horn (46).

The PMO says the list of names is acceptable, and the families of the hostages have been informed and have approved the release of their names to the public.

Further details regarding the release process and any additional agreements remain undisclosed.

The three hostages scheduled for release tomorrow were all abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the hardest-hit communities during the Hamas-led massacre on October 7, 2023. The attack left one in four residents dead or kidnapped, as Hamas terrorists stormed the kibbutz, burning homes, slaughtering civilians, and taking dozens captive.

Sagui Dekel-Chen: Father of Three to Meet Newborn for the First Time

Sagui Dekel-Chen, an Israeli-American dual citizen, was one of the first to raise the alarm when Hamas terrorists breached Nir Oz’s defenses. His father, Jonathan Dekel-Chen, a Connecticut-born professor at Hebrew University, said Sagui was last heard from at 9:30 a.m. on the morning of the attack.

Sagui’s mother, Neomit, was also taken captive. She was among a group of neighbors loaded onto an electric cart and driven toward Gaza, but as an IDF helicopter opened fire, she managed to escape, despite being injured, and was later rescued and evacuated.

While Sagui has spent nearly five months in captivity, his wife, Avital, gave birth to their third daughter, Shachar, in December 2023. His release means he will finally meet his newborn daughter for the first time.

Sasha Trufanov: Family Torn Apart by the Hamas Attack

Also set to be freed is Sasha Trufanov, an Israeli-Russian dual citizen, who was taken hostage along with his grandmother, mother, and girlfriend. His father, Vitaly Trufanov, was murdered in the attack.

Sasha’s mother, Yelena (Lena), and grandmother, Irena Tati, were released on November 29, 2023, after Russian President Vladimir Putin personally intervened. His girlfriend, Sapir Cohen, was released the next day as part of a week-long ceasefire deal. Sasha, however, remained in captivity—until now.

Yair Horn: A Family Still in Captivity

The third hostage expected to be freed is Yair Horn, an Israeli-Argentine dual citizen, who was also abducted from his home in Nir Oz. His brother, Eitan Horn, was kidnapped as well, but remains in captivity and is not included in the current hostage release agreement.

Yair is one of 33 hostages expected to be released under the first phase of the hostage-ceasefire deal, but for his family, relief remains bittersweet as Eitan’s fate remains uncertain.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)