The Palestinian resistance released three Israeli prisoners in Gaza on Saturday as part of an ongoing prisoner exchange, despite escalating tensions and threats to the fragile ceasefire.

Sacha Trupanov, a 29-year-old Russian-Israeli, Sagui Dekel-Chen, a 36-year-old American-Israeli, and Yair Horn, a 46-year-old Argentine-Israeli, were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross before being transferred to Israeli authorities. The three men were among those captured during the October 7 attack on military installations and settlements near Gaza, which sparked Israel’s relentless assault on the besieged enclave.

In exchange, Israeli authorities agreed to release 36 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom had spent years behind bars under harsh detention conditions. Palestinian detainees, including children and political activists, have long suffered systematic abuse in Israeli prisons, with rights groups documenting widespread mistreatment and medical neglect.

The latest exchange, facilitated by Qatari and Egyptian mediators, marks the sixth since the ceasefire began in January. However, Israel continues to impose severe restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, exacerbating the suffering of a population devastated by months of relentless bombardment. Meanwhile, talks on a second phase of the truce remain uncertain, as Israel refuses to commit to a full withdrawal or the complete release of Palestinian prisoners.

While families on both sides await the return of their loved ones, the reality in Gaza remains dire. Over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in Israel’s military campaign, and entire neighbourhoods have been reduced to rubble. With no clear path to a lasting resolution, the temporary ceasefire offers little respite for a population struggling to survive under siege.