TEL AVIV, February 15. /TASS/. Israelis Alexander Trufanov, who holds Russian citizenship, and Sagui Dekel-Chen, a US passport holder, have been transported by military helicopters to Sheba Hospital in the suburbs of Tel Aviv, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.
"They returned to Israel after 498 days in captivity. The medical and professional teams at the hospital are fully prepared to receive them and provide comprehensive medical care, including psychological support and cater to any additional needs," the statement reads.
The Health Ministry urged the public to respect the privacy of the freed individuals, allowing them time to reconnect with their loved ones and recover. "We call on everyone to respect their privacy," the ministry emphasized, noting that this is crucial for their transition from captivity to recovery and rehabilitation.
On February 15, the Israeli army confirmed that the three Israelis freed in the Palestinian enclave had safely returned to the Jewish state. In addition to Trufanov and Dekel-Chen, Yair Horn, who also holds Argentine citizenship, was released. He was later transported by another helicopter to Tel Aviv, where he will undergo rehabilitation at Sourasky Medical Center.
On January 15, it was announced that Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas had reached an agreement regarding the release of hostages held in Gaza and the introduction of a ceasefire in the enclave. This agreement, which consists of three stages, took effect on January 19. The first phase will last 42 days, during which Hamas is required to release at least 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.