Sat Feb 15 09:48:11 UTC 2025: ## Hostages Freed in Gaza as Part of Prisoner Exchange
**Cairo, February 15, 2025** – A prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel has resulted in the release of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, marking a significant step toward stabilizing the fragile ceasefire in place since the October 7, 2023 attack.
The first bus carrying 369 Palestinian prisoners departed from Israel’s Ofer jail in the West Bank today. Simultaneously, Israeli hostages Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Sasha Troufanov were handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas. Egypt and Qatar played key mediating roles in facilitating the exchange.
Drone footage shows joyous scenes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, as freed Palestinians, many wearing traditional keffiyeh scarves, were greeted by cheering crowds. After receiving brief health checkups, they were reunited with their families. The exchange represents a crucial step in easing tensions after nearly a month of halted fighting.
First Piper 