Hamas has released three more hostages as part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement with Israel, marking another step in the complex prisoner exchange deal. The released individuals include Keith Siegel, an American-Israeli dual citizen, Yarden Bibas, and Ofer Kalderon.
Keith Siegel, aged 65, was paraded on stage in Gaza City before being handed over to the Red Cross. His release comes after his wife, Aviva Siegel, was previously freed during a short-lived ceasefire in November 2023. Both were abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.
Yarden Bibas, 35, and Ofer Kalderon, 54, were released in Khan Younis. Bibas, who is the father of the two youngest hostages taken by Hamas, Kfir and Ariel Bibas, was seen waving to the crowd during the handover. Kalderon, a French-Israeli national, was also captured from Kibbutz Nir Oz. His children and ex-wife were among those freed in previous exchanges.
The release of these hostages is part of a broader deal that has seen 18 hostages freed since the ceasefire began on January 19, 2025. The agreement stipulates the release of 33 hostages over six weeks in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian security prisoners, including some convicted of deadly attacks. This exchange also facilitates increased humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The handover was more orderly compared to previous releases, with fewer crowds and chaos. The hostages were escorted to Red Cross officials before being transferred to Israeli forces. The release of Siegel, Bibas, and Kalderon brings a mixed sense of relief and ongoing concern for the families, especially regarding the fate of Shiri Bibas and her children, who remain unaccounted for.
This development continues to unfold amidst the backdrop of a ceasefire aimed at de-escalating the 15-month war in Gaza, with both sides engaging in negotiations for further releases and peace terms.
Article generated from legacy media reports.
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