Hamas To Release Three Israeli Hostages, Including American Dual National

Red Cross vehicles, left, wait for the hand-over of Israeli soldier hostage Agam Berger at the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza City, Thursday Jan. 30, 2025.(AP Photo/Mohammad Abu Samra)

Hamas announced on Friday that three Israeli hostages, including an American dual national, are set to be released from Gaza on Saturday. The captives to be freed in the latest round are Keith Siegel, Yarden Bibas, and Ofer Kalderon.

Keith 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.

Yarden Bibas was kidnapped from kibbutz Nir Oz along with his wife Shiri and their two sons, Kfir and Ariel. Kfir, the youngest hostage taken on October 7, was just nine months old at the time of abduction.

Keith Siegel's wife Aviva was previously released in a ceasefire deal.

Keith Siegel and Yarden Bibas were kidnapped from kibbutz Kfar Aza and Nir Oz respectively.

Yarden Bibas was taken with his wife and two sons, including a nine-month-old baby.

Ofer Kalderon, aged 52 when he was kidnapped from kibbutz Nir Oz, was taken with his son Erez, then 11, and his daughter Sahar, then 16. Erez and Sahar were also released during the November 2023 ceasefire.

This release marks a significant development in the ongoing hostage situation between Israel and Hamas, providing hope for the families of the captives and raising expectations for potential future negotiations between the two parties.