Hamas announced on Friday that three Israeli hostages, including an American dual national and the father of the youngest hostages taken from Israel on October 7, 2023, are set to be released from Gaza on Saturday.
The captives to be freed are Keith Siegel, Yarden Bibas, and Ofer Kalderon. Siegel, an Israeli-American citizen, was taken from his home in kibbutz Kfar Aza. His wife, Aviva, who was kidnapped alongside him, was released in November 2023 as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Bibas was kidnapped from kibbutz Nir Oz alongside his wife Shiri and two sons, Kfir and Ariel. Kfir, just nine months old when abducted, became the youngest hostage taken on October 7. Hamas claimed in November 2023 that Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel Bibas were killed in an Israeli airstrike, but their deaths were never confirmed by Israel.
Kalderon, 52 at the time of his kidnapping, was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz with his son Erez, 11, and daughter Sahar, 16. Erez and Sahar were released during the November 2023 ceasefire.
Since the ceasefire on January 19, Hamas and allied groups have released 10 Israeli and five Thai hostages. The release of hostages on Thursday led to chaotic scenes, prompting condemnation from Israeli leaders.
Israel is releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. Hamas is expected to release another 23 hostages during the 42-day truce.
The Bibas family, especially Kfir, has become a symbol of the October 7 attacks. Kfir's image has been featured on posters calling for the hostages' release.
Aviva Siegel shared that during captivity, Keith would encourage everyone to find something to be thankful for each day. A video of Siegel in captivity was released last year, showing him looking tired and pale.
Kalderon, described as a keen cyclist and expert carpenter, enjoys music and field trips with his children.
