होमIsrael and HamasToday, Hamas releases three hostages as Israel begins freeing Palestinian prisoners

Today, Hamas releases three hostages as Israel begins freeing Palestinian prisoners

Hamas Releases Hostages as Israel Frees Palestinian Prisoners Under Ceasefire Deal

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip – Hamas militants released three male hostages on Saturday as part of an ongoing ceasefire deal, while Israel began freeing 183 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, marking a significant moment in efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

Israeli Ofer Kalderon who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, waves before being handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas fighters in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday Feb. 1, 2025. Photo/Abdel Kareem)

Hostages Released in Gaza

The released hostages include Yarden Bibas and French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon, who were handed over to Red Cross officials in Khan Younis, and American-Israeli Keith Siegel, who was freed later in Gaza City. The three men were among those abducted during Hamas’ deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Their release brings the total number of hostages freed since the ceasefire began on January 19 to 18.

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Unlike previous releases, Saturday’s handovers were more structured. Masked militants lined up as the hostages stepped onto a stage and waved before being transferred to Red Cross officials.

Israel Begins Releasing Palestinian Prisoners

Following the hostage releases, Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners. A bus carrying 32 prisoners departed from Ofer Military Prison toward the West Bank, while another 150 detainees were sent to Gaza or deported. Among those released were individuals serving long sentences, as well as 111 Palestinians from Gaza who had been arrested after October 7, 2023, and held without trial.

Crowds of supporters gathered to welcome the released prisoners, cheering and celebrating their return.

Ceasefire Brings Temporary Respite

The ceasefire, now in its second week, aims to curb hostilities in the deadliest war between Israel and Hamas. The truce has allowed humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and enabled hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to the ruins of their homes in the north.

Under the six-week first phase of the deal, 33 Israeli hostages are set to be freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel has reported that Hamas informed them that eight of these hostages were either killed in the October 7 attack or have died in captivity.

Rafah Border Crossing Reopens for Medical Evacuations

For the first time in nine months, the Rafah border crossing to Egypt was reopened on Saturday, allowing 50 sick and wounded Palestinian children to leave Gaza for medical treatment. The European Union deployed a civilian mission on Friday to prepare for the full reopening of the crossing, marking another crucial step in the ceasefire agreement.

Future of the Ceasefire Remains Uncertain

Israel and Hamas are set to negotiate a second phase of the ceasefire next week, focusing on releasing the remaining hostages and extending the truce indefinitely. If no agreement is reached, the war could resume in early March. The Israeli government maintains its commitment to dismantling Hamas, while a key far-right coalition partner has called for hostilities to resume after the initial ceasefire phase.

Hamas, however, insists it will not release the remaining hostages without a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Families Celebrate Hostages’ Return

Among the released hostages, Keith Siegel, 65, originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza alongside his wife, Aviva Siegel. Aviva was released during a brief ceasefire in 2023 and has since led a high-profile campaign advocating for her husband’s release.

In Israel, friends and family members of Siegel gathered to watch his return. The room erupted in cheers and tears of relief as Siegel’s safe release was confirmed.

The ceasefire remains fragile, but these latest releases represent a significant step in ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and de-escalate the long-standing conflict.


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