Hamas continues prisoner exchange, releasing Yarden Bibas, Ofer Calderon, and Keith Siegel after over a year in captivity. Bibas' return overshadowed by concern for his wife and children who remain in Hamas's hands. Deal sees Israel release 90 Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas released three more Israel i hostages on Saturday as part of the ongoing prisoner swap agreement. Yarden Bibas (35), Ofer Calderon (54), and Keith Siegel (65) returned to Israel i soil after spending over a year in captivity. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the release, stating that the hostages were escorted back by IDF and ISA forces. Ofer Calderon was immediately transported to a hospital for medical treatment and was reunited with his family.
Yarden Bibas' return comes amidst deep concern for his wife, Shiri, and their two children, Kfir (9 months) and Ariel (4 years), who were also taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Hamas has yet to clarify the status of Yarden's family, leaving their fate uncertain. Bibas' harrowing experience began when Hamas terrorists stormed the Nir Oz kibbutz, where he was sheltering with his family. Footage released in April 2024 showed Bibas being taken away by a mob, his face bloodied and beaten. Hamas later released a video of him from captivity, where he implored the prime minister and spoke about his family. The release of these hostages is part of a larger deal that sees Israel releasing 90 Palestinian prisoners, including nine serving life sentences. Keith Siegel, 65 years old, was kidnapped alongside his wife, Aviva, from their home's reinforced safe room during the initial Hamas attack. Aviva was released after 51 days in the first hostage exchange, but Keith remained in captivity until this recent release. He was brutally assaulted during the abduction, sustaining rib injuries and a gunshot wound to the hand. Ofer Calderon, 54 years old, was also kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his two children, Sahar (16) and Erez (12). While the children were released after 52 days, Calderon remained in captivity for over a year. His mother-in-law and niece were tragically murdered by Hamas during the attack. This latest release brings a glimmer of hope, but the fate of Yarden Bibas' family remains a heavy burden.
HAMAS HOSTAGES ISRAEL PRISONER SWAP RELEASE YARDEN BIBAS OFER CALDERON KEITH SIEGEL NIR OZ GAZA
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