Hamas has disclosed that three hostages will be freed on Saturday as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, marking a significant moment in the ongoing crisis that has deeply affected families across the region.
Hamas to Release Three Hostages, Including Father of Youngest Captive
Hamas to Release Three Hostages, Including Father of Youngest Captive
In a notable development, Hamas announces the release of three hostages amid ongoing negotiations with Israel.
Hamas has identified the upcoming hostages for release as Israelis Ofer Kalderon, 53, and Yarden Bibas, 34, along with American-Israeli Keith Siegel, 65. Notably, Yarden Bibas is the father of Kfir, a child who was just 10 months old when kidnapped by militants. His spouse, Shiri, along with their other son Ariel, now four, were also abducted, leaving their current status unclear amidst heightened tensions.
The Israeli Prime Minister's office has confirmed receipt of the hostages' identities. In a reciprocal move, Israel will release a new set of Palestinian prisoners. This marks the fourth such exchange under the ceasefire that was established on January 19.
The backdrop to this exchange includes the kidnapping of approximately 251 individuals by Hamas during its assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the tragic loss of about 1,200 lives. The ensuing conflict has devastated Gaza, with estimates indicating that Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 47,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities controlled by Hamas in the territory.
Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas were abducted from the communities of Nir Oz, while Keith Siegel was taken from Kfar Aza. The forthcoming release will increase the total number of hostages freed under the ceasefire agreement to 18. In turn, 400 Palestinian prisoners have been released by Israel, including individuals convicted of serious offenses and minors held without formal charges. Many of those released have returned to regions like the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, although some of the more serious offenders have been deported as part of the ongoing negotiations.
The Israeli Prime Minister's office has confirmed receipt of the hostages' identities. In a reciprocal move, Israel will release a new set of Palestinian prisoners. This marks the fourth such exchange under the ceasefire that was established on January 19.
The backdrop to this exchange includes the kidnapping of approximately 251 individuals by Hamas during its assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the tragic loss of about 1,200 lives. The ensuing conflict has devastated Gaza, with estimates indicating that Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 47,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities controlled by Hamas in the territory.
Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas were abducted from the communities of Nir Oz, while Keith Siegel was taken from Kfar Aza. The forthcoming release will increase the total number of hostages freed under the ceasefire agreement to 18. In turn, 400 Palestinian prisoners have been released by Israel, including individuals convicted of serious offenses and minors held without formal charges. Many of those released have returned to regions like the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, although some of the more serious offenders have been deported as part of the ongoing negotiations.
