Hamas is set to release three hostages on Saturday, including Yarden Bibas, the father of Kfir, the youngest kidnapped, highlighting ongoing prisoner exchanges amid the ongoing conflict.
Father of Youngest Hostage Released by Hamas as Ceasefire Continues
Father of Youngest Hostage Released by Hamas as Ceasefire Continues
Three hostages, including father of a toddler, set to be freed under ceasefire agreement.
In a significant development regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, the Palestinian militant group Hamas has announced the names of three hostages scheduled for release this Saturday. Among them is Yarden Bibas, 34, whose 10-month-old son Kfir was taken captive during the group's assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. Alongside Bibas, Ofer Kalderon, 53, and American-Israeli Keith Siegel, 65, are also included in the release. Both Kalderon and Bibas were abducted from their homes in Nir Oz, while Siegel was taken from Kfar Aza. Bibas' family has been particularly affected, as his wife Shiri and their older son Ariel were also captured, their whereabouts still unknown.
The Israeli prime minister's office confirmed receipt of the hostage list from Hamas. In return, Israel is set to release another group of Palestinian prisoners, marking the fourth such exchange since the ceasefire deal was initiated on January 19. The violent surprise attack by Hamas resulted in around 1,200 Israeli fatalities and led to a devastating military response in Gaza, with Palestinian casualties reportedly exceeding 47,460 according to health sources in the region.
The total number of hostages released under the ongoing ceasefire is expected to rise to 18 following this release. On Saturday, it is anticipated that 183 Palestinian prisoners, including 111 held since the October 7 attacks, will be freed. Since the ceasefire began, over 400 Palestinian prisoners ranging from those involved in serious crimes to minors held without charge have been exchanged.
Recent exchanges have also highlighted tensions surrounding the releases. Israel's government expressed discontent over the treatment of released hostages, prompting concerns about the integrity of future exchanges. After the previous release, which saw eight hostages freed, crowds overwhelmed the scene, raising alarms within Israeli leadership regarding the safety measures in place for the remaining hostages.
In a related note, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer conveyed his joy over the recent release of former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, recently freed on January 19. During a conversation between Starmer, Emily, and her mother, it was revealed that Emily was denied medical treatment while held captive and had been detained in facilities run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The Damari family urged Prime Minister Starmer to apply increased pressure on Hamas and UNRWA to facilitate the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access to remaining hostages in Gaza.
As the situation continues to evolve, the complexities surrounding hostage releases and prisoner exchanges remain critical points of concern for many involved in the conflict.
The Israeli prime minister's office confirmed receipt of the hostage list from Hamas. In return, Israel is set to release another group of Palestinian prisoners, marking the fourth such exchange since the ceasefire deal was initiated on January 19. The violent surprise attack by Hamas resulted in around 1,200 Israeli fatalities and led to a devastating military response in Gaza, with Palestinian casualties reportedly exceeding 47,460 according to health sources in the region.
The total number of hostages released under the ongoing ceasefire is expected to rise to 18 following this release. On Saturday, it is anticipated that 183 Palestinian prisoners, including 111 held since the October 7 attacks, will be freed. Since the ceasefire began, over 400 Palestinian prisoners ranging from those involved in serious crimes to minors held without charge have been exchanged.
Recent exchanges have also highlighted tensions surrounding the releases. Israel's government expressed discontent over the treatment of released hostages, prompting concerns about the integrity of future exchanges. After the previous release, which saw eight hostages freed, crowds overwhelmed the scene, raising alarms within Israeli leadership regarding the safety measures in place for the remaining hostages.
In a related note, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer conveyed his joy over the recent release of former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, recently freed on January 19. During a conversation between Starmer, Emily, and her mother, it was revealed that Emily was denied medical treatment while held captive and had been detained in facilities run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The Damari family urged Prime Minister Starmer to apply increased pressure on Hamas and UNRWA to facilitate the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access to remaining hostages in Gaza.
As the situation continues to evolve, the complexities surrounding hostage releases and prisoner exchanges remain critical points of concern for many involved in the conflict.
