Three Israeli Hostages Released

Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two groups supported by the Islamic Republic, released three Israeli hostages in Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Saturday morning, February 16, and handed them over to Red Cross officials. Saguy Dekel Chen, Sasha Trofanov, and Eyaer Horn were returned to Israel by Red Cross officials after their release. The Jerusalem Post noted that the three were transported to the designated handover location in a vehicle belonging to Hamas. Meanwhile, hundreds gathered in the Hostage Square in Tel Aviv to witness the release of the three hostages. Earlier, the Jerusalem Post reported, citing an Israeli official, that the country's army was preparing to accept the hostages. The newspaper added that the three hostages would be transferred to the Israeli army after being handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, which would send them to the Rim base to reunite with their families. In exchange, Israel is set to release 369 Palestinian prisoners. On Thursday, February 15, Hamas announced that after discussions with Egyptian and Qatari officials, it would continue to release more hostages following threats from the U.S. and Israel. The group stated that mediators had committed to 'removing all obstacles' to ensure that Israel would allow the entry of tents, medical supplies, and other essential items into Gaza. Hamas accused Israel this week of failing to comply with regulations regarding increased aid to Gaza and stated that it would not hand over the three hostages scheduled for release on Saturday until this issue was resolved. Under the ceasefire agreement, Hamas is committed to releasing a number of Israeli hostages, similar to the previous three Saturdays, in exchange for the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners from Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Hamas's actions by issuing an order to call up reserve forces of the Israeli army and threatened to resume military operations in Gaza if the hostages were not released. Avi Dichter, a member of Netanyahu's security cabinet, stated on Thursday on Israeli public radio that he does not believe Hamas can withdraw from the agreement. Egyptian security sources told Reuters that they expect the necessary logistical equipment for increasing aid to Gaza to be provided by Thursday, and in that case, Hamas would release the hostages on Saturday according to the agreed schedule. Earlier, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, called Hamas's threat to suspend the hostage release process 'horrific' and stated that if all Israeli hostages are not released by noon on Saturday, hell will break loose, and he called for an end to the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Israel Katz, Israel's Defense Minister, also warned that if the terrorist group Hamas does not release the hostages according to the schedule and by the end of the week, Israel will 'bring hell.' During a visit to a military command center, he stated: 'If Hamas stops the process of releasing hostages, there will be no more agreement, and war will resume.' He also emphasized that the 'new Gaza war' will not end until Hamas is defeated. Trump's deadline for Hamas: the release of all hostages by noon next Saturday. Two groups supported by the Islamic Republic prepared for the release of three Israeli hostages. Hamas claims to maintain the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Israel: If Hamas does not release the hostages, hell will break loose. Disclosure of the condition of hostages held by Hamas; forced labor for women and torture for men. The possibility of a violation of the agreement by Hamas; Israel called up reserve forces. Netanyahu: If the hostages are not released on Saturday, Israel will end the Gaza ceasefire.