Hamas to Release Three Israeli Hostages Saturday

Jan 31, 2025 4:15 pm | News, Ticker, Virtual Jerusalem

Yarden Bibas among those freed; fate of his wife and children remains uncertain but increasingly dire as the others anticipate emotional reunions with their families.

On Saturday, February 1, 2025, Hamas is set to release three Israeli hostages: Yarden Bibas, 35; Keith Siegel, 65; and Ofer Calderon, 54. This development comes amid ongoing negotiations and prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas.

Yarden Bibas was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, along with his wife, Shiri, and their two young sons, Ariel and Kfir. Yarden sustained injuries during the kidnapping and was seen being taken to Gaza separately from his family. Hamas has claimed that Shiri and the children were killed in captivity, a claim that Israel has not confirmed but has expressed “grave concern” over.

Keith Siegel, a dual Israeli-American citizen originally from North Carolina, was taken captive with his wife, Aviva, from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the October 7 attack. Aviva was released in a previous ceasefire in November 2023.

Ofer Calderon was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on the same day, along with two of his children, who were both freed in an earlier ceasefire.

In exchange for the release of these hostages, Israel is set to free 90 Palestinian security prisoners on Saturday, nine of whom are serving life sentences.

The release of Yarden Bibas has elicited mixed emotions among his relatives. While they are “so excited” for his return, they acknowledge that “Shiri and the children have not yet returned.” They describe the situation as “very complex days” and urge the public to “please protect Yarden’s heart” and respect the family’s privacy during this period.

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