Hamas’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, released three Israeli hostages in Gaza City on Saturday, handing them over to the International Committee of the Red Cross. This move is part of a prisoner exchange and temporary ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The freed hostages are 54-year-old Israeli-French citizen Ofer Calderon, 35-year-old Israeli civilian Yarden Bibas, and 65-year-old Israeli-U.S. dual national Keith Siegel. Calderon and Bibas were transferred earlier in the day to the Red Cross and then to Israeli forces, who escorted them back to Israel. Siegel was released later in the day.
The releases were coordinated with international mediators to ensure their safe passage. This exchange marks the fourth group of hostages freed under the first phase of the agreement, which aims to facilitate the release of detainees on both sides while maintaining a temporary cessation of hostilities.
According to Palestinian sources, more developments in the deal’s implementation are expected in the coming days. The ongoing efforts are seen as steps toward reducing tensions and promoting peace in the region.
