Three Hostages Freed from Hamas After 484 Days in Captivity

On Saturday, three hostages—Keith Siegel, Yarden Bibas, and Ofer Kalderon—were released from Hamas captivity after enduring 484 days of captivity. The hostages were transferred to Israel, marking a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to bring back Israeli captives held by Hamas.

Siegel was released from the Gaza Port and arrived at Israel's Re'im military base shortly before noon. His release followed that of Bibas and Kalderon, who were freed from Khan Yunis at around 8:30 a.m. A Hamas vehicle closely followed the Red Cross car transporting the two men to Israel for safety reasons, signaling a heightened precaution during their release.

Bibas's family expressed bittersweet emotions upon his return. His family remarked, “Yarden is home, but the home is missing,” referring to the absence of his wife and children, who remain in Gaza. Among those concerned is Baby Kfir Bibas, the youngest hostage taken by Hamas.

Kalderon and Bibas were seen walking independently upon their release, a sign of relative health despite the extended captivity. However, initial reports suggest that they are severely malnourished. Kalderon was spotted wearing a Hamas-manufactured military-style uniform, and both men were released under commitments that they would not serve in the IDF again.

The hostages underwent an initial medical assessment at Re'im Base, where they were reunited with some of their family members. Bibas’s wife and children remain in Gaza, and there is significant concern for their safety. The former hostages will undergo rehabilitation treatments in Israel as part of their recovery process.

The return of these three hostages is a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to secure the release of more captives, though the fate of many others, including those left behind, continues to draw concern.