IN COLOR: Sasha Trufanov, Yair Horn & Sagui Dekel-Chen freed after 498 days in Hamas captivity

Sagui Dekel-Chen, Sasha Trufanov, and Yair Horn crossed into Israel Saturday morning after being held captive in Gaza for 498 days. The three men were released in a ceremony in Khan Younis before being transferred to Red Cross representatives.

Dekel-Chen learned upon his return that he has a third daughter, Shachar, born two months after his capture. Trufanov was informed that his father Vitaly was killed during the October 7 attack. Horn's brother Eitan remains in captivity.

All three men appeared thin but in better physical condition than hostages released last week. Horn was seen limping during the handover ceremony. The men were dressed in black and cream sweatsuits, departing from previous releases where captives wore prisoner or military attire.

During the handover, the three were required to give brief speeches in Hebrew urging continued negotiations for remaining hostages. They were then transferred to Red Cross custody before being transported to Israel for medical evaluation and family reunions.

The Russian embassy had been particularly active in securing Trufanov's release, while Dekel-Chen's case drew attention due to his American citizenship. Horn, who holds Argentinian citizenship, was taken alongside his brother during a holiday visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Israel released 369 Palestinian detainees in exchange, including 36 serving life sentences. The remaining 333 were detained in Gaza since October 7.

Seventy hostages remain in Gaza, including at least 35 confirmed deceased by the Israeli military. The current agreement's first phase still includes the release of 14 more hostages, six of whom are believed to be alive.

Prior to this ceasefire, 105 civilians were freed during a November truce, and four hostages were released before that. Eight hostages have been rescued by military operations, and the bodies of 40 have been recovered.

The families gathered at military facilities near the Gaza border for reunion with their relatives. Hundreds of supporters also assembled in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square to watch the release.