GAZA: On Friday, it was announced that three Israeli hostages would be freed on Saturday. Among them is a dual Israeli-American citizen and the father of the youngest hostage taken on October 7, 2023. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the names of the hostages.
Hostages Identified
The three men set to be released are Keith Siegel, Yarden Bibas, and Ofer Kalderon. Siegel, an Israeli-American, was taken from his home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. His wife Aviva was also kidnapped but released in November 2023 as part of a ceasefire.
Bibas Family Tragedy
Yarden Bibas, who was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, lost his wife Shiri and two sons in the attack. Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel were reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike, according to Hamas. However, the Israeli military has not confirmed their deaths, though it has expressed concerns over their fate.
Kalderon and His Children
Ofer Kalderon was taken from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his children, Erez and Sahar. Both children were released during a November ceasefire agreement. Kalderon, now 52, will be among the hostages freed in the latest release.
Hostage Release Amidst Tensions
Hamas and allied militant groups have released 10 Israeli and five Thai hostages since January 19. Despite chaotic scenes during a release on Thursday, where tensions escalated, the Israeli government confirmed the release. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed outrage over the incident, calling it “shocking” and demanding guarantees from mediators.
Expected Future Releases
Hamas is set to release 23 more hostages during the ongoing 42-day truce. Eight of the 23 individuals are confirmed dead, according to the Israeli government. In return, Israel is releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including some held without charge or convicted of serious offenses.
Hostages Still in Captivity
As of Friday, 79 Israeli hostages remain in Hamas’ custody. Additionally, three others have been held since 2014, according to reports from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
