Hamas released three more hostages on Saturday as part of its cease-fire deal with Israel, marking a significant contrast to a chaotic handover earlier in the week.
This release is part of a 42-day cease-fire agreement that commenced last month, halting hostilities between Israel and Hamas. Under this deal, Hamas committed to gradually releasing 33 of the nearly 100 remaining hostages in exchange for over 1,000 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Among those released on Saturday was Yarden Bibas, whose abduction alongside his family has become a symbol of the brutality of the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. His wife, Shiri, and their two children, Ariel and Kfir, were also taken from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Hamas later claimed that Ms. Bibas and the children had been killed in an Israeli airstrike, a statement that Israeli officials have not confirmed, although they have expressed grave concerns for their well-being.
A video captured on October 7, 2023, showed Ms. Bibas being led through the kibbutz by a Hamas militant with her children. The family has faced immense uncertainty regarding their loved ones' status, with the last proof of life for Mr. Bibas being images of him injured. His sister, Ofri Bibas-Levy, has been advocating for a cease-fire and hostage deal, expressing gratitude for the media attention but also highlighting the distress caused by public speculation about their fate.
Another released hostage, Ofer Kalderon, a French Israeli, was captured with two of his four children during the attack. The family had sought refuge in nearby fields after fleeing their shelter in Kibbutz Nir Oz. His cousin, Ifat Kalderon, has publicly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to act decisively to secure a hostage release, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Keith Siegel, an American Israeli, was also among those released. He was taken captive with his wife, Aviva, from their home in Kfar Azza. Ms. Siegel was released in late November 2023, while Mr. Siegel remained in captivity until recently. Ms. Siegel recounted the harsh conditions faced by hostages, including frequent relocations and deprivation of basic needs. She reflected on her last conversation with her husband, emphasizing their mutual commitment to remain strong for each other.