Hamas delivered a cruel message to a hostage's mother during today's prisoner exchange, handing over an hourglass bearing her son's image with the warning "time is running out".
The stunt came as the militant group released three Israeli hostages - Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen and Sasha Troufanov - after 498 days in captivity. The men appeared in better health than three hostages freed last weekend, who were described as emaciated.
Hamas gave Mr Horn the hourglass bearing images of hostage Matan Zangauker and his mother Einav, in what commentators branded a "barbaric" act.
The exchange, which saw 369 Palestinian prisoners released in return, went ahead after a tense stand-off that had threatened to shatter the fragile ceasefire.
The deal had appeared close to collapse earlier this week when Hamas refused to release more hostages, claiming Israel had blocked vital aid deliveries, including tents and shelter materials, leaving thousands exposed to winter conditions. Israel rejected these claims, insisting it had allowed thousands of aid trucks to enter Gaza.
The three men - who hold American, Russian and Argentine citizenship - had endured 498 days in captivity after being seized from Kibbutz Nir Oz during Hamas' attack on 7 October 2023, when militants killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.
Today's exchange brings the total number of hostages freed during the ceasefire to 24, while more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners have been released. However, around 73 hostages remain in Gaza, with half feared dead.
International aid groups report increased deliveries since the truce began but say supplies remain insufficient for Gaza's population, where the Israeli military campaign has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to the territory's health ministry, and left most residents homeless.
The truce now enters a critical second phase, which calls for all remaining hostages to be returned and an indefinite extension of the ceasefire. Failure to reach agreement could see fighting resume.
