False Quote Attributed to Released Israeli Prisoner Discredited

Recent social media activity surrounding the release of Israeli prisoner Alexander Troufanov has sparked controversy due to the circulation of a fabricated quote attributed to him. The false statement, which suggested Troufanov expressed gratitude towards his Hamas captors, gained traction on platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) on February 15, 2025, and again in October 2025.

Misleading Claims About Captivity

The erroneous information began with a post by social media influencer Khaled Safi, who claimed to represent Troufanov’s sentiments in a message that read, “Your kindness has been engraved in my conscience forever.” This quote, which painted a picture of sympathy towards his captors, was later clarified by Safi as not originating from Troufanov himself but as his interpretation of Troufanov’s experiences during his captivity.

According to Safi’s clarification on February 15, 2025, these were not Troufanov’s words but a description of his condition and feelings, including gratitude towards his captors for their treatment. Safi stated, “These are not the words of the captive, but rather I wrote them on his behalf, describing his condition, his gratitude, his thanks, and his bowing to the men of the resistance.”

The Reality of Troufanov’s Release

Alexander Troufanov was one of three hostages released in an exchange involving Hamas on February 15, 2025. The release occurred in Khan Younis, located in the Gaza Strip, as part of a broader ceasefire agreement. A photograph from the exchange, published by US News & World Report, shows Troufanov alongside fellow hostages Iair Horn and Sagui Dekel Chen, escorted by Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters as they were handed over to the Red Cross.

The misinformation surrounding Troufanov’s statements highlights the ongoing challenges of verifying information in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The original post containing the fabricated quote was shared by the Facebook page “Towards Understanding Islam,” which has since been criticized for spreading inaccurate claims.

As social media continues to play a significant role in shaping narratives during conflicts, the responsibility of content creators and influencers to ensure accuracy becomes increasingly critical. The spread of false information can lead to misunderstandings and deepen existing divisions.

In summary, the claims attributed to Alexander Troufanov regarding sympathy towards his captors are unfounded. His actual experience, as reported by credible sources following his release, underscores the complexities of the circumstances surrounding his captivity and the importance of discerning fact from fiction in a highly polarized environment.