BREAKING: Hamas Announces Names of 3 Israeli Hostages it will release tomorrow

Hamas's military wing announced it will release three Israeli hostages tomorrow (Saturday, February 15) as part of ongoing prisoner exchange negotiations. The Al-Qassam Brigades identified the individuals to be released as Sasha Alexander Trufanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn.

Alexander (Sasha) Trufanov, a 29-year-old Russian-Israeli citizen, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz by Hamas terrorists during the October 7, 2023, attack, alongside his mother Yelena, grandmother Irena Tati, and girlfriend Sapir Cohen. An engineer at Annapurna Labs, an Amazon-owned company, Sasha had recently moved to Ramat Gan with Sapir but was visiting his family for the Simchat Torah holiday when the attack occurred. His father, Vitaly Trufanov, was murdered during the massacre, and while Yelena, Irena, and Sapir were released in November 2023 as part of a temporary ceasefire deal, Sasha remains in captivity.

Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an affiliate of Hamas, has released multiple propaganda videos of him, the latest in November 2024, showing him alive but describing harsh conditions, including shortages of food, water, and hygiene products, and a skin condition developed in captivity. His family, particularly his mother, has expressed relief at seeing signs of life but anguish over his continued detention, urging immediate efforts for his release, with Russia advocating for his freedom due to his citizenship, amid ongoing hostage negotiations.

Sagui Dekel-Chen, a 36-year-old Israeli-American citizen, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz by Hamas terrorists during the October 7, 2023 attack while defending his community. A farmer and innovative community member, Sagui had spent a decade converting old buses into mobile tech classrooms for underserved Bedouin and Jewish communities in southern Israel, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to social good. On that morning, he spotted the terrorists, warned residents, ensured his pregnant wife Avital and their two daughters were safe in a shelter, and then joined the kibbutz security team to fight back, only to be captured during hand-to-hand combat. His youngest daughter, Shachar, was born after his abduction, and he has never met her. Released hostages confirmed seeing him alive in the early weeks of captivity. His parents, Jonathan Dekel-Chen and Gillian Kaye, have been vocal advocates, meeting with U.S. and UN officials, including President Biden, to push for his release, while his dual citizenship has drawn international attention to his case amid ongoing hostage negotiations.

Yair Horn, a 46-year-old Argentinian-Israeli citizen, was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz by Hamas terrorists during the October 7, 2023, attack, alongside his younger brother Eitan Horn, who was visiting for the Simchat Torah holiday. A construction worker deeply involved in his community, Yair was known for organizing holiday events and managing the local kibbutz pub, reflecting his role as a beloved and active member of Nir Oz. The brothers, who immigrated from Argentina years ago, were last heard from when their father, Itzik Horn, received a message from Eitan during the attack, after which communication ceased. Their family, including brother Amos Horn, has been tirelessly advocating for their release, speaking at events like a Tisha B’Av program in South Africa and engaging with international leaders, including the president of Argentina, to raise awareness.

According to Israeli journalist Almog Boker, Israel has received the list and the hostages' families are being updated right now.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum just released the following statement:

The Forum welcomes today's encouraging news about the expected release of Yair Horn, Sagi Dekel-Chen, and Sasha Trufanov, who have endured 498 days in Hamas captivity.

Recent footage of hostage survivors and the latest proof-of-life videos make it painfully clear: time is running out for those still held captive.

An immediate and comprehensive deal must be reached - without stages and without delays - to bring home all hostages, allowing the living to begin their recovery and enabling proper burial for those who did not survive.

Out of consideration for the families during this intense period, we ask that their privacy be respected and that no direct contact be made with them at this time.