American Sagui Dekel Chen confirmed on Sunday that he was “home and safe” with his family, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was confirmed on Sunday.
Chen was one of three men released on Saturday at Khan Eunice in the latest victory in the fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Hamas also released Iair Horn of Argentine in Israel and Israeli Alexander (Sasha) Torfanov of Russia, and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)Confirmed.
All three men were taken from Kibtuniloz during Hamas' terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, where the Israelis killed about 1,200 and took about 250 prisoners.
“President Trump continues to offer promises to bring Americans home. Sagui Dekel Chen and two other hostages have been released by Hamas in Gaza after nearly 500 days of horrifying prisoners. “We did,” Rubio said in a statement Sunday.
“I'm grateful that they're back home and safe with their families,” he added.
Chen was one of the last living Americans in captivity. The State Department noted that Hamas still holds 73 hostages, including Edan Alexander, a New Jersey native who has just graduated from high school, and four Americans killed in Gaza.
“They all have to go home,” Rubio continued in his official statement. “The fact that these terrorists continue to hold hostages and even corpses reflects their illnesses. I would like to say to my partner that Hamas leaders are playing with fire. I'm calling for help in moving.”
In a post on Social Platform X, Rubio added: “The Heron is home! American Sagui Dekel Chen and two more hostages have been released by Hamas in Gaza thanks to @Pothos' strength and leadership.”
“Stay strong Edan – we will return home soon to you!” he wrote.
