Hamas Releases Three Israeli Hostages Under Ceasefire Agreement

The release follows a deal that includes the exchange of 183 Palestinian detainees and the reopening of the Rafah border crossing.

The three released hostages, Keith Siegel, Ofer Kalderon, and Jarden Bibas, were handed over to the Red Cross and have returned to Israel after 484 days in captivity.
Keith Siegel, a 65-year-old US-Israeli citizen, was reunited with Israeli authorities after being abducted with his wife in October 2023; his wife was released in November 2023.
The agreement stipulates the release of 183 Palestinian prisoners, including individuals sentenced to life imprisonment, in exchange for the hostages.
The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt is set to reopen, facilitating the evacuation of critically ill patients for urgent medical care.
79 hostages remain in Gaza, with additional releases expected as part of the ongoing ceasefire deal mediated by international parties.