In a major development, Hamas has handed three hostages over to the Red Cross in the southern Gaza Strip today as part of its ceasefire deal with Israel. The militants released Yarden Bibas and French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon in a highly stage-managed and orderly handover to the Red Cross.
Both had been abducted during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, that sparked the war. Another hostage, American-Israeli Keith Siegel, was handed over separately a few hours later at the Gaza City seaport.
Another hostage, American-Israeli Keith Siegel, was also set to be released today and was expected to be handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City to the north. In return, Israel will release more than 180 prisoners, double the initially reported figure of 90.
Today’s exchange marks the second hostage swap this week and the fourth since the ceasefire began. Since the ceasefire started on January 19, 2025, Hamas has released 17 hostages, including Israeli citizens and foreign nationals. In exchange, Israel has freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
