Three Israeli Hostages to Be Released in Gaza Exchange

JERUSALEM, Feb 1 – The Palestinian militant group Hamas is set to release three Israeli hostages on Saturday as part of an ongoing exchange deal involving Palestinian prisoners. This exchange is taking place under a truce designed to pave the way for ending the 15-month conflict in Gaza.

Among those being released is Yarden Bibas, the father of two young hostages—baby Kfir, who was just nine months old when he was taken on October 7, 2023, and Ariel, who was four at the time. Hamas previously claimed in November 2023 that the two boys and their mother, Shiri, were killed in an Israeli airstrike, though there has been no confirmation since.

The deal also includes U.S.-Israeli dual national Keith Siegel and French-Israeli dual national Ofer Kalderon, who will be exchanged for 182 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Additionally, Saturday will mark the reopening of the Rafah crossing, allowing Palestinians to travel from Gaza to Egypt. The crossing will initially be used to evacuate 50 injured militants and 50 wounded civilians, along with their escorts. Another 100 individuals, likely students, are expected to be granted passage on humanitarian grounds.

Of the 33 hostages set for release in the first phase of the truce, 15 have already been freed in exchange for 400 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Negotiations are set to begin by Tuesday to discuss the release of more than 60 remaining hostages and the potential withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza as part of a second phase of the agreement.

The six-week ceasefire, brokered with the involvement of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, remains in effect despite both sides accusing each other of violations.

The October 7 attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the capture of more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. In response, Israeli military operations have caused widespread devastation in Gaza, with Palestinian health authorities reporting over 47,000 deaths.