JERUSALEM, Israel — Three Israeli hostages, including Israeli-American Keith Siegel, were released by Hamas on Saturday, February 1, 2025 as part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement, marking the fourth hostage-prisoner exchange since negotiations began on January 19.
Siegel, 65, along with Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas, was handed over in separate transfers in Khan Younis and the Port of Gaza before being transported by the Red Cross into Israeli custody.
The exchange was part of a deal that also saw 180 Palestinian prisoners released from Ofer Prison in the West Bank, where they were met with large crowds of supporters in Ramallah.
A Carefully Choreographed Exchange
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Siegel was taken to a reception centre in southern Israel for an initial medical assessment and was reunited with his family.
Meanwhile, Bibas and Kalderon were airlifted by an Israeli Air Force (IAF) helicopter to Sheba Medical Center, where they are receiving further treatment.
Video footage from the West Bank showed Palestinian prisoners stepping off Red Cross buses in Ramallah, where they were greeted by large crowds.
Some were held aloft, while others embraced waiting relatives after months or years in detention.
Since the hostage-prisoner exchanges began earlier this month, a total of 18 Israeli hostages and nearly 600 Palestinian prisoners have been released.
Hamas Calls on Israel to Fulfil Agreement
Following the transfers, Hamas issued a statement urging Israel to fulfil its obligations under the deal, which includes the release of Palestinian prisoners.
“The movement confirms its commitment to the terms of the agreement and expects Israel to do the same,” Hamas stated.
The group also claimed it had provided proper medical care to Siegel, who, according to Hamas, “suffers from multiple diseases.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, strongly rejected Hamas’s claims, calling the treatment of hostages in captivity “inhumane.”
“The release of these hostages is a ray of light, but we must not forget the 79 hostages who remain in Gaza,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement.
Family Reunions After Months in Captivity
Kalderon, a 54-year-old carpenter and father of four, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during Hamas’s October 7 attack.
His two children, Sahar, 16, and Erez, 12, were freed in November during the first hostage deal, but Kalderon remained in captivity.
In a video from months ago, Erez recounted his escape from Hamas fighters, describing the last time he saw his father being beaten.
His eldest daughter, Gaya, had previously told reporters: “I hope you are dreaming at night of being with us, because it is going to happen soon.”
As news of his release spread, Kalderon was flown to Sheba Medical Center, where he is expected to reunite with his family.
Continued Uncertainty Over Remaining Hostages
Despite the latest exchange, concerns remain over the fate of dozens of other hostages still held in Gaza.
Among them is Yarden Bibas’s wife and two young children, who were also abducted in October.
As mediated ceasefire talks continue, families of those still in captivity say they will not rest until all hostages are safely returned.
“Every hostage must come home,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said.
“The living must be reunited with their loved ones, and the deceased must receive a proper burial.”
