The Palestinian armed group Hamas has released three more Israeli hostages. On Saturday (February 1), Hamas fighters handed over Yarden Bibas (34), Ofer Calderon (53), and Keith Siegel (65) to the Red Cross. The last time hostages were released was on Thursday when eight hostages were freed—three Israelis and five Thai nationals. During that release, there was significant chaos in Khan Younis, Gaza, but today’s release was carried out in an orderly manner.
Hamas had also taken Yarden Bibas’ two young children and wife as hostages to Gaza. However, they were reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike. Hamas announced their deaths in November 2023, but Israel did not confirm it. Since Yarden Bibas was released alone today, it is believed that his wife and children have died. As part of the agreement, Hamas may soon return their bodies.
In exchange for today’s release of the three hostages, Israel is set to free over 180 Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life and long-term sentences.
Additionally, Israel is reopening the Rafah Crossing, located at the Gaza-Egypt border, today. Israeli forces took control of the crossing shortly after the war began on October 7, 2023, preventing Palestinians from leaving Gaza for medical treatment or other urgent needs. As the reopening process begins, sick children are being brought to the crossing for transfer to other countries for advanced medical care.