Three More Hostages Freed in Hamas-Israel Ceasefire Deal, Including U.S. Citizen

As part of a tenuous ceasefire agreement with Israel, the terrorist organization Hamas released three more hostages on Saturday, including an American-Israeli citizen, Keith Siegel.

Hamas initially transferred Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas to the Red Cross, who subsequently handed them over to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers.

“Ofer is home! We are overjoyed, relieved, and deeply emotional after 484 long and arduous days of unbearable waiting,” stated Kalderon’s family in a press release.

The family added that a “difficult rehabilitation period lies ahead, but with our collective strength, unwavering love, and supportive family, we will assist him in his recovery.”

Siegel, 65, was freed later that day. A North Carolina native, he immigrated to Israel as a young man, becoming a dual citizen. He and his wife, Aviva, resided in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. They were abducted from their home during the Hamas massacre in October 2023.

Aviva Siegel, released in a previous hostage exchange in November, expressed concerns about her husband’s declining health, stressing that the fight isn’t over until all hostages are returned. Along with Siegel, French-Israeli citizens Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas were also freed. Bibas’ wife and two young children remain captive.

Siegel is the first American citizen released under the current ceasefire agreement. Ten Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals abducted on October 7 have also been freed. Sagui Dekel-Chen, a 36-year-old father of three, is expected to be released soon. Another captive, 21-year-old Edan Alexander from New Jersey, was serving in the IDF when captured. Hamas also holds the bodies of deceased hostages.

Securing the release of American and other hostages remains a top priority for President Donald Trump, who warned Hamas of consequences for non-compliance. White House envoy Steve Witkoff, closely monitoring the situation, recently became the first U.S. official to visit Gaza in 15 years. “Gaza is almost completely destroyed,” Witkoff told Axios, estimating that full reconstruction could take 10 to 15 years. He emphasized that the hostage deal is crucial for regional stabilization and broader diplomatic efforts, including Saudi-Israeli normalization talks.

For families of those still held captive, the struggle continues. Yechi Yehoud, father of a daughter released on Thursday, gave an emotional statement upon her return.

“Arbel returned in reasonable health, considering her ordeal. She showed incredible courage. We thank President Trump and his Middle East Special Envoy, Mr. Steve Witkoff, who effectively used diplomatic pressure to secure the hostages’ return… We won’t rest until everyone is home, safe and sound!”

The ceasefire, a temporary halt to a brutal 15-month war, is being implemented in phases. Each phase involves the staggered release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. The process has faced setbacks, including incidents this week where Hamas paraded hostages before a hostile crowd, jeopardizing their safety. The chaotic transfer to the Red Cross caused outrage in Israel, briefly halting the reciprocal release of Palestinian prisoners as Israel warned Hamas against further disruptions.

The current plan includes further hostage releases in the coming weeks, with 33 captives expected to be freed over six weeks. In return, Israel will release 2,000 Palestinian security prisoners, including 250-300 convicted of deadly attacks, and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza. Hamas’s full compliance remains uncertain, threatening the fragile truce.

Amid crucial ceasefire negotiations, Netanyahu accepted an invitation from President Trump to visit Washington on February 4, making him the first foreign leader to meet Trump in his second term. The visit will focus on the hostage deal, ceasefire talks, and broader security concerns, including Iran and Gaza’s reconstruction.

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