Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his joy at the return of three hostages who were released on Saturday. In a message shared on Telegram, Netanyahu welcomed Yarden Bibas, Ofer Kalderon, and Keith Siegel back home. He extended his embrace to them on behalf of all the citizens of Israel and many around the world.
Netanyahu also mentioned that his thoughts are with Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, the family of Yarden Bibas. Shiri is Yarden's wife, and Ariel and Kfir are his sons. The family was kidnapped by Hamas from kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. Kfir, the youngest captive, was only nine months old at the time of the abduction, while Ariel was just four years old.
During a temporary truce in late November 2023, many women and children were released from Gaza, but Yarden Bibas' wife and sons were not among them. Hamas claimed that they were killed in an Israeli airstrike that same month. While Israel has not confirmed their deaths, the military has informed the relatives that there is uncertainty about their fate.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has been actively involved in advocating for the safe return of all hostages. Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to continue working towards bringing back all remaining hostages, including Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas.
