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Davos 2025: Trade, tariffs, AI and UN chief Guterres dominate World Economic Forum agenda

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Davos 2025: Trade, tariffs, AI and UN chief Guterres dominate World Economic Forum agenda
News

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Davos 2025: Trade, tariffs, AI and UN chief Guterres dominate World Economic Forum agenda

2025-01-23 11:37 Last Updated At:11:41

DAVOS, Switzlerand (AP) — U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres ratcheted up his warning about climate change and said the world’s thirst for fossil fuels is a “Frankenstein monster” that spares no one, while calling for greater attention to risks posed by artificial intelligence if its ascent goes ungoverned — even as some leaders played up its promise.

The United Nations' chief headlined a flurry of activities and talk sessions on Wednesday at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, where shifts underway in Washington during U.S. President Donald Trump’s first week back in office also featured heavily in the scheduled events and side chats of government officials, academics and business executives.

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Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, left, and Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad Hasan AlShaibani attend the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, left, and Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad Hasan AlShaibani attend the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Switzerland's Defense Minister Federal Councillor Viola Amherd, right, shakes hands with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, left, prior to a bilateral meeting on the sideline of the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

Switzerland's Defense Minister Federal Councillor Viola Amherd, right, shakes hands with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, left, prior to a bilateral meeting on the sideline of the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders attends the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders attends the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

ECP President Christine Lagarde attends the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

ECP President Christine Lagarde attends the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Trade and Industry Minister of Norway Cecilie Terese Myrseth, 2nd right, sign an EFTA Free Trade Agreement at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Trade and Industry Minister of Norway Cecilie Terese Myrseth, 2nd right, sign an EFTA Free Trade Agreement at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez, right, walks in the snow at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez, right, walks in the snow at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Climate activist Luisa Neubauer paints a poster as she takes part in a small protest at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan.22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Climate activist Luisa Neubauer paints a poster as she takes part in a small protest at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan.22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

A man paints on a large poster at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

A man paints on a large poster at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

An autonomous food delivery vehicle serves people during the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

An autonomous food delivery vehicle serves people during the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Finnish President Alexander Stubb speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Finnish President Alexander Stubb speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Switzerland's Foreign Minister Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, left, drink a white wine with Maros Sefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, right, prior to a bilateral meeting on the sideline of the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, January 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

Switzerland's Foreign Minister Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, left, drink a white wine with Maros Sefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, right, prior to a bilateral meeting on the sideline of the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, January 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

Participants at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Participants at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

A woman uses virtual reality glasses the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

A woman uses virtual reality glasses the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Javad Zaria, Vice President for Strategic Affairs of Iran, speaks the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Javad Zaria, Vice President for Strategic Affairs of Iran, speaks the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, speaks during a plenary session in the Congress Hall during the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, speaks during a plenary session in the Congress Hall during the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, speaks during a plenary session in the Congress Hall during the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, speaks during a plenary session in the Congress Hall during the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, left, and WEF founder Klaus Schwab meet the media at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, left, and WEF founder Klaus Schwab meet the media at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Greenpeace activists show a poster during a protest at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Greenpeace activists show a poster during a protest at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

The Congress Center where the Annual Meeting of the World Economy forum take place is illuminated in Davos, Switzerland, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

The Congress Center where the Annual Meeting of the World Economy forum take place is illuminated in Davos, Switzerland, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy combed the corridors, meeting with leaders such as Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, as well as German opposition leader and would-be chancellor Friedrich Merz in an effort to stir up support for Ukraine's fight against Russia.

Here are some highlights from Wednesday's session:

With energy and tech industry executives on hand, Guterres returned to one of his most frequent appeals: for the world to do more to fight global warming.

Trump's promises to “ drill, baby, drill ” and an array of worries about economic growth in some big but moribund economies in Europe and beyond have rattled public and private commitments to reduce carbon emissions.

Guterres bemoaned how 2024 was the hottest year on record, and warned of rising sea levels that could overwhelm ports that ship oil in and out.

“And rising temperatures, which are, overwhelmingly, caused by burning fossil fuels,” he said. “Our fossil fuel addiction is a Frankenstein monster, sparing nothing and no one. All around us, we see clear signs that the monster has become master.”

Companies that have recently backtracked on their climate commitments are “on the wrong side of history,” he added.

The U.N. chief lauded the promise of artificial intelligence, saying it could revolutionize learning, help improve health care and support farmers with tools that boost productivity.

“But with this promise comes profound risk, especially if AI is left ungoverned,” he said. warning that it could be used "as a tool of deception,” erode trust in institutions, disrupt labor markets and affect the conduct of war.

Trump on Tuesday announced a joint U.S. venture that plans to invest up to $500 billion for infrastructure linked to AI though a new partnership formed by Oracle, SoftBank and OpenAI.

The Stargate project's goal us to build out data centers and the electricity generation needed by voracious power needs of fast-evolving AI in Texas, the White House said.

Julie Sweet, chief executive officer of Accenture, the multinational information technology and consulting firm, hailed the Stargate investment as an “absolute validation that AI is important for companies and countries.”

She said the United States appeared set to maintain its approach toward AI of innovation first, then applying “appropriate guardrails” — unlike other places that put the guardrails first.

“AI will not be successful if people don’t trust it,” Sweet told The Associated Press. "So I’m not worried about it (being) too deregulated because the interests of making sure AI is trusted are aligned across all groups.”

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his country will have to “navigate” AI but will push it “on a faster pace, partly because of my age: we don't have time to wait.”

Anwar was speaking in Davos after the Southeast Asian nation and its neighbor Singapore struck a deal to create a special economic zone that would ramp up job creation and lure investment.

“AI is, of course, a new challenge. We don’t have the expertise (or) knowhow,” he said. “But AI means changing the education system, health services, blockchain, so it will have to come about.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for the EU to help “make social media great again” by taking tough regulatory measures against the technology platforms he described as being run by tycoons who flaunt the law.

“The tech billionaires want to overthrow democracy. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the truth of the terrible threat we face,” Sánchez said, citing the spread of misinformation that has fueled anti-liberal political movements. “The technology that was intended to free us has become the tool of our own oppression."

The center-left Socialist said social media were initially "supposed" to foster unity and democracy, but instead “have brought division, lies and a reactionary agenda” and now have "begun to compete unfairly with the strategic sectors of our economies, such as banking, retail and media outlets.

“And they have ended up in the hands of a reduced group of men — by the way, only men — whose combined (net) worth triples the entire European Union’s budget,” he added.

Sánchez said he would ask the EU to enact policies to end what he called anonymity of social media users, use existing legislation to “force open the black box of social media algorithms,” as well as hold the owners of social media platforms “personally accountable” for any wrongs brought by their sites.

Much buzz has been about where Trump’s much-trumpeted tariffs — such as goods from rival China and even allies Canada and Mexico — will land.

Britain’s new Treasury chief, Rachel Reeves, noted Trump is mulling tariffs on countries that are running big trade surpluses with the United States, which is not the case with the U.K. — ins has a small trade deficit with the U.S.

“So the problem that President Trump is trying to address is not addressed through tariffs on the U.K.,” Reeves said.

“There are a million Brits working for American firms and there are a million Americans working for British firms,” she told reporters. “Our economies are closely intertwined and I don’t believe that tariffs between our countries would be in either of our interests.”

Associated Press Writer Joseph Wilson in Barcelona, Spain, and Pan Pylas in London contributed to this report.

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, left, and Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad Hasan AlShaibani attend the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, left, and Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad Hasan AlShaibani attend the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Switzerland's Defense Minister Federal Councillor Viola Amherd, right, shakes hands with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, left, prior to a bilateral meeting on the sideline of the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

Switzerland's Defense Minister Federal Councillor Viola Amherd, right, shakes hands with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, left, prior to a bilateral meeting on the sideline of the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders attends the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders attends the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

ECP President Christine Lagarde attends the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

ECP President Christine Lagarde attends the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Trade and Industry Minister of Norway Cecilie Terese Myrseth, 2nd right, sign an EFTA Free Trade Agreement at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Trade and Industry Minister of Norway Cecilie Terese Myrseth, 2nd right, sign an EFTA Free Trade Agreement at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez, right, walks in the snow at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez, right, walks in the snow at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Climate activist Luisa Neubauer paints a poster as she takes part in a small protest at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan.22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Climate activist Luisa Neubauer paints a poster as she takes part in a small protest at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan.22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

A man paints on a large poster at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

A man paints on a large poster at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

An autonomous food delivery vehicle serves people during the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

An autonomous food delivery vehicle serves people during the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Finnish President Alexander Stubb speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Finnish President Alexander Stubb speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez speaks at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Switzerland's Foreign Minister Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, left, drink a white wine with Maros Sefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, right, prior to a bilateral meeting on the sideline of the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, January 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

Switzerland's Foreign Minister Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, left, drink a white wine with Maros Sefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, right, prior to a bilateral meeting on the sideline of the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, January 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

Participants at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Participants at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

A woman uses virtual reality glasses the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

A woman uses virtual reality glasses the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Javad Zaria, Vice President for Strategic Affairs of Iran, speaks the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Javad Zaria, Vice President for Strategic Affairs of Iran, speaks the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, speaks during a plenary session in the Congress Hall during the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, speaks during a plenary session in the Congress Hall during the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, speaks during a plenary session in the Congress Hall during the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, speaks during a plenary session in the Congress Hall during the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, left, and WEF founder Klaus Schwab meet the media at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, left, and WEF founder Klaus Schwab meet the media at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Greenpeace activists show a poster during a protest at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Greenpeace activists show a poster during a protest at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

The Congress Center where the Annual Meeting of the World Economy forum take place is illuminated in Davos, Switzerland, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

The Congress Center where the Annual Meeting of the World Economy forum take place is illuminated in Davos, Switzerland, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas-led militants released three male Israeli hostages Saturday and Israeli forces freed hundreds of prisoners in return, in the latest indication that a fragile ceasefire that had teetered in recent days is holding.

Militants in the southern Gaza Strip paraded the three hostages — Iair Horn, 46, a dual citizen of Israel and Argentina; American-Israeli Sagui Dekel Chen, 36; and Russian-Israeli Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov, 29 — before a crowd before releasing them. They were transported to Israel to be reunited with their families and to receive medical evaluation in a hospital.

All had been abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community that was hard-hit in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war. They appeared pale and worn, but seemed in better physical condition than the three men released last Saturday, who emerged emaciated from 16 months of captivity.

A tense dispute had jeopardized the nearly four week-old truce in recent days and threatened to renew the fighting.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to remove more than 2 million Palestinians from Gaza and settle them elsewhere in the region has cast even more doubt on the future of the ceasefire.

But Hamas said Thursday it would move ahead with the release of more hostages after talks with Egyptian and Qatari officials. The group said the mediators had pledged to “remove all hurdles” to ensure Israel would allow more tents, medical supplies and other essentials into Gaza.

As with previous exchanges, the hostage release was heavily choreographed, with the captives made to walk onto a stage and speak into microphones before the crowd. Dozens of masked, armed Hamas fighters lined up near the stage festooned with Palestinian flags and banners of militant factions.

In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, a huge cheer went up as the hostages were transferred to the Red Cross. “Iair, Sagui and Sasha are on their way home!” an announcer said.

In return for the hostages’ release, Israel began releasing 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

A bus carrying the first released prisoners arrived in the occupied West Bank town of Beitunia and were greeted by a cheering crowd of relatives and supporters. Some appeared gaunt, and the Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service said four were immediately taken for medical treatment.

Most of those released were transported to Gaza, where a large crowd greeted them in Khan Younis, the same town where the hostages had been released hours earlier.

It is the sixth swap since the ceasefire took effect on Jan. 19. Before Saturday, 21 hostages and over 730 Palestinian prisoners were freed during the first phase of the truce.

Horn was abducted along with his brother, Eitan Horn, who had been staying with him at the time. Eitan, 37, remains in captivity and is not on the list of hostages expected to be released in the ceasefire's first stage.

"Now, we can breathe a little. Our Iair is home after surviving hell in Gaza," his family said in a statement. “Now, we need to bring Eitan back so our family can truly breathe.”

Dekel Chen had been working outside when militants stormed the kibbutz. His pregnant wife, Avital Dekel Chen, hid in a safe room with their two daughters. She gave birth to their third daughter two months later. Speaking to Israeli media Saturday, she said she was overwhelmed with happiness to see Sagui back in Israel, where he will meet his youngest daughter, Shachar, for the first time.

Troufanov, whose father was killed during the Oct. 7 attack, was taken hostage along with his grandmother, mother and girlfriend. The three women were released during a brief ceasefire in November 2023. Troufanov was informed of his father's death after his release, shortly before being reunited with his family, who said they were “overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude” as he crossed into Israeli territory.

The Palestinian prisoners being released included 36 serving life sentences for involvement in deadly attacks against Israelis.

Among the most prominent is Ahmed Barghouti, 48, a close aide of militant leader and iconic Palestinian political figure Marwan Barghouti.

Israel sentenced Ahmed Barghouti to life on charges that he dispatched suicide bombers during the Second Intifada, or Palestinian uprising, in the early 2000s to carry out attacks that killed Israeli civilians. He was arrested alongside Marwan Barghouti in 2002.

Twenty-four of those serving life sentences were to be exiled abroad, while 12 returned to the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem.

The other 333 were returned to Gaza, from where they had been detained. As part of the ceasefire, Israel has committed to releasing over 1,000 of those detained from Gaza provided they had not participated in the Oct. 7 attack.

Of the 251 people abducted during the Oct. 7 attack, 73 remain in Gaza, around half of whom are believed to be dead. Nearly all the remaining hostages are men, including Israeli soldiers.

Concern has been growing about their condition, particularly after the release of three last Saturday, who emerged looking emaciated and frail.

One of them, 65-year-old Keith Siegel, said Friday in a video message addressed to Trump that his captors treated him worse as the 15-month war intensified, kicking him, spitting on him and holding him without water or light.

The ceasefire appeared dangerously close to collapse in recent days.

Hamas had said it would delay the release of the hostages after accusing Israel of not adhering to their agreement by not allowing in enough shelters, medical supplies, fuel and heavy equipment for clearing rubble. Israel said it would resume fighting Saturday unless hostages were freed.

While the immediate crisis may have been averted, the truce faces a much bigger challenge with the deal’s first phase set to conclude in early March. There have not yet been substantive negotiations over the second phase, in which Hamas would release all remaining hostages in return for an end to the war.

At its height, the fighting displaced 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million. Hundreds of thousands have since returned to their homes as the ceasefire took hold, though many found only rubble, buried human remains and unexploded ordnance.

The war has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health Ministry, which does not say how many were fighters. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

Trump’s proposal to remove some 2 million Palestinians from Gaza and settle them elsewhere in the region has thrown the truce’s future into further doubt.

The idea has been welcomed by Israel’s government. But it has been strongly rejected by Palestinians and Arab countries. Human rights groups say it could amount to a war crime under international law.

Trump proposed that once the fighting ends, Israel would transfer control of Gaza to the United States, which would then redevelop it as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right allies are already calling for a resumption of the war after the first phase with the goal of destroying Hamas and implementing Trump’s plan. The militant group remains in control of the territory after surviving one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history.

Hamas may be unwilling to release any more hostages if it believes the war will resume. The captives are among the only bargaining chips it has left.

Bwaitel reported from Beitunia, West Bank, and Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Waafa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, and Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.

A Palestinian prisoner is greeted after being released from Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

A Palestinian prisoner is greeted after being released from Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

Palestinian prisoner Waddeh Bazrah, 43, right, is greeted after being released from Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

Palestinian prisoner Waddeh Bazrah, 43, right, is greeted after being released from Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

A Palestinian prisoner, left, is greeted after being released from Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

A Palestinian prisoner, left, is greeted after being released from Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

Palestinian prisoner Waddeh Bazrah, 43, is greeted after being released from Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Palestinian prisoner Waddeh Bazrah, 43, is greeted after being released from Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Red Cross cars and Palestinian public wait for the hand over of hostages Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel Chen, and Alexander Troufanov, to the Red Cross by Hamas and islamic Jihad fighters in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohammad Abu Samra)

Red Cross cars and Palestinian public wait for the hand over of hostages Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel Chen, and Alexander Troufanov, to the Red Cross by Hamas and islamic Jihad fighters in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohammad Abu Samra)

Israelis react at the so-called 'Hostages Square' as they watch a live Gaza broadcast of the release of three Israeli hostages, Tel Aviv, Israel, on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Israelis react at the so-called 'Hostages Square' as they watch a live Gaza broadcast of the release of three Israeli hostages, Tel Aviv, Israel, on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Hamas fightersstand on a pick up truck as they arrive for the handover of Israeli captives Iair Horn, Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov, and Sagui Dekel Chen to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hamas fightersstand on a pick up truck as they arrive for the handover of Israeli captives Iair Horn, Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov, and Sagui Dekel Chen to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hostages Iair Horn, 46, Israeli-Argentine, center, and Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, left, Israeli-American are escorted by Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters before being handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hostages Iair Horn, 46, Israeli-Argentine, center, and Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, left, Israeli-American are escorted by Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters before being handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hamas fighters arrive on a pick-up truck for the hand over of captives Iair Horn, Alexander Troufanov, and Sagui Dekel Chen to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hamas fighters arrive on a pick-up truck for the hand over of captives Iair Horn, Alexander Troufanov, and Sagui Dekel Chen to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hostages Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, left, Israeli-American and Iair Horn, 46, Israeli-Argentine, are escorted by Hamas fighters before being handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hostages Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, left, Israeli-American and Iair Horn, 46, Israeli-Argentine, are escorted by Hamas fighters before being handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Israeli hostages Iair Horn, 46, left, Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, center left, and Alexander Troufanov, 29, right, are escorted by Hamas and islamic Jihad fighters on a stage before being handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.(AP Photo/Mohammad Abu Samra)

Israeli hostages Iair Horn, 46, left, Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, center left, and Alexander Troufanov, 29, right, are escorted by Hamas and islamic Jihad fighters on a stage before being handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.(AP Photo/Mohammad Abu Samra)

The sun silhouettes Islamic Jihad fighters ahead of a hostages' release in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The sun silhouettes Islamic Jihad fighters ahead of a hostages' release in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

A Hamas fighter takes up a position ahead of a hostages release in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

A Hamas fighter takes up a position ahead of a hostages release in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Israeli hostages Iair Horn, 46, left, Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, center left, and Alexander Troufanov, 29, right, are escorted by Hamas and islamic Jihad fighters as they are handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Israeli hostages Iair Horn, 46, left, Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, center left, and Alexander Troufanov, 29, right, are escorted by Hamas and islamic Jihad fighters as they are handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hostage Iair Horn, 46, who is a dual citizen of Israel and Argentina is escorted by Hamas fighters as he is handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Hostage Iair Horn, 46, who is a dual citizen of Israel and Argentina is escorted by Hamas fighters as he is handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Israelis watch a live Gaza broadcast of the release of three Israeli hostages during a gathering at the so-called 'Hostages Square', in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Israelis watch a live Gaza broadcast of the release of three Israeli hostages during a gathering at the so-called 'Hostages Square', in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Israeli hostages Iair Horn, 46, left, Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, center left, and Alexander Troufanov, 29, right, are escorted by Hamas and islamic Jihad fighters as they are handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Israeli hostages Iair Horn, 46, left, Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, center left, and Alexander Troufanov, 29, right, are escorted by Hamas and islamic Jihad fighters as they are handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters stand in formation ahead of a hostages' release in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters stand in formation ahead of a hostages' release in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hamas fighters takes up a position in front of International red cross cars wait for Israeli captives, Iair Horn, Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov and Sagui Dekel Chen, who has been held hostage in Gaza since October 7, 2023, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hamas fighters takes up a position in front of International red cross cars wait for Israeli captives, Iair Horn, Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov and Sagui Dekel Chen, who has been held hostage in Gaza since October 7, 2023, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Israelis gather at Hostages Square, waiting for the release of Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel Chen, and Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Israelis gather at Hostages Square, waiting for the release of Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel Chen, and Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Palestinians gather to attend Friday prayers at the Great Omari Mosque, which was damaged during the Israeli military's air and ground operation in Gaza City, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians gather to attend Friday prayers at the Great Omari Mosque, which was damaged during the Israeli military's air and ground operation in Gaza City, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians gather to attend the Friday prayers at the Great Omari Mosque, which was damaged during the Israeli military's air and ground operation in Gaza City, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians gather to attend the Friday prayers at the Great Omari Mosque, which was damaged during the Israeli military's air and ground operation in Gaza City, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians perform Friday prayers at the Great Omari Mosque, which was damaged during the Israeli military's air and ground operation in Gaza City, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians perform Friday prayers at the Great Omari Mosque, which was damaged during the Israeli military's air and ground operation in Gaza City, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians gather to attend Friday prayers at the Great Omari Mosque, which was damaged during the Israeli military's air and ground operation in Gaza City, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians gather to attend Friday prayers at the Great Omari Mosque, which was damaged during the Israeli military's air and ground operation in Gaza City, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians queue for food distribution in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians queue for food distribution in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians queue for food distribution in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians queue for food distribution in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians queue for food distribution in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians queue for food distribution in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians queue for food distribution in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians queue for food distribution in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

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