Netanyahu’s government under pressure from opposition to return hostages ‘quickly’

Last Updated on February 16, 2025 6:48 am

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has called on the Netanyahu government to “bring back as soon as possible” the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. He made the call on the social media site X on Saturday (February 15).

In the X post, Yair Lapid wrote, “Yair, Sagui and Sasha are on their way home. Those who are returning are like giving our bodies and souls back.”

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas released three Israeli hostages on Saturday, who were declared at risk of breaking the ceasefire agreement. The three hostages, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Sasha Trufanov and Yair Horn, were released under the sixth phase of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.

Every time before the release, the hostages are officially shown on stage. They are given gifts and certificates.

However, this time, Hamas fighters set a novel example. Palestinian media reports said that Hamas presented hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen with a gold coin to mark the birth of his daughter, who became a father four months after being held by Hamas.

A source in Hamas’ armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, told Qatar-based Al Jazeera that Hamas had brought the three Israeli hostages scheduled for release today in a vehicle, which was originally from the Israeli army.

In addition, during the handover in Khan Yunis, some Hamas members appeared wearing Israeli military (IDF) uniforms and military armor, and were carrying weapons captured in the October 7 attack.

In exchange for the release of the three hostages, 369 Palestinians are scheduled to be released from Israeli prisons today.