Three male hostages, including an American Israeli citizen, held in Gaza for roughly 16 months were freed by Hamas on Saturday in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
The names of the released hostages are Keith Siegel, Yarden Bibas and Ofer Kalderon. Siegel, the American Israeli, was described by the Associated Press as looking pale and thin upon his release.
Why It Matters
The release marks the fourth hostage exchange since the Israel-Hamas ceasefire took effect, bringing renewed attention to the humanitarian crisis and the ongoing efforts to secure the freedom of those still in captivity. The development highlights the fragile nature of the truce and the high-stakes negotiations surrounding the remaining hostages.
What To Know
Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, took roughly 250 hostages during its surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Over 100 hostages were released during a temporary ceasefire in November 2023. Meanwhile, about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’ attack and over 47,000 Palestinians died in Israel’s military operation in Gaza that followed, according to the AP.
Details of the Newly Released Hostages
Siegel, 65, is an American Israeli from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza along with his wife, Aviva Siegel. Aviva was freed in a prior hostage exchange in November 2023 and has since led an international campaign advocating for the release of Siegel and others still held in Gaza.
Bibas, 35, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Images from the time of his capture suggest he was wounded. His wife, Shiri, and their two sons, Ariel and Kfir, were also taken hostage. Hamas has since claimed that Shiri and the children were killed in an Israeli airstrike, but Israeli officials have not confirmed this.
Kalderon, 54, a French Israeli national, was taken captive from Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his two children. His ex-wife, Hadas Kalderon, was also kidnapped. Both the children and Hadas Kalderon were released in an earlier exchange in November 2023.
What People Are Saying
Eyal Kalderon, a family member of Ofer’s, said on Saturday, according to the AP: “We are sorry it took so long, Ofer,” adding, “We will soon be a whole family again. We hope other families will soon feel like this, until the last family.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday: “Welcome home, Yarden Bibs, Ofer Calderon and Keith Siegel. Together with all the citizens of Israel and many around the world, my wife and I embrace you upon your return home. Our thoughts are now with Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, and all of our abductees. We will continue to work to bring them home. The people of Israel are alive.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement issued Saturday: “Today, Americans celebrate the return of American-Israeli citizen Keith Siegel and two Israelis who were held captive by Hamas terrorists since October 7, 2023. President Trump and his Administration have worked diligently to secure their release and are committed to freeing all remaining hostages.”
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on Saturday: “Ofer Kalderon is free! We share the immense relief and joy of his loved ones after 483 days of unimaginable hell. Our thoughts are with Ohad Yahalomi, still in the hands of Hamas, and with his family. France is doing everything it can to secure his release without delay.”
What Happens Next
So far, 18 hostages, including the three men released on Saturday, have been freed since the start of the ceasefire deal reached last month.
About 80 more captives remain in Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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