Three Israeli hostages released in ongoing Hamas-Israel exchange
Palestinian group Hamas fighters escort Israeli-French hostage Ofer Kalderon on a stage before handing him over to a Red Cross team in Khan Yunis on February 1, 2025, as part of fourth hostage-prisoner exchange. (AFP Photo)
In the latest round of the hostage exchange between Hamas and Israel, three Israeli male civilians have been released in Gaza.
The exchange, part of an ongoing truce agreement, involved the release of Ofer Calderon and Yarden Bibas, followed by Keith Siegel, a U.S.-Israeli dual citizen.
After Calderon and Bibas were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Siegel was also transferred. The Israeli military confirmed that Siegel, now with the ICRC, is on his way to Israeli forces in Gaza.
In return for the three Israeli hostages, 183 Palestinian prisoners were released. This group includes 18 individuals serving life sentences, 54 people convicted of serious crimes, and 111 detainees captured after the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks.
Additionally, seven of the Palestinians will be sent abroad under the agreement.
In the previous stages of the swap, 10 Israeli hostages and 400 Palestinian prisoners were released. This exchange continues as part of efforts to end the 15-month conflict and create the conditions for a lasting cease-fire.
