American Dual National and Father of Youngest Hostage to Be Released from Gaza

American Dual National and Father of Youngest Hostage Among Those to Be Released from Gaza on Saturday

Hamas announced on Friday that three Israeli hostages, including an American dual national and the father of the youngest hostage taken during the October 7, 2023 attack, will be released from Gaza on Saturday.

The three individuals to be freed are Keith Siegel, Yarden Bibas, and Ofer Kalderon. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that their families had been notified of the release.

• Keith Siegel, an Israeli-American citizen, was taken from his home in kibbutz Kfar Aza. His wife, Aviva, was abducted with him but was released in November 2023 during a short-lived ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
• Yarden Bibas was kidnapped from kibbutz Nir Oz along with his wife, Shiri, and their two sons, Kfir and Ariel. Kfir, who was only nine months old at the time, became the youngest hostage taken during the October 7 attacks.
• Ofer Kalderon, 52 at the time of his kidnapping, was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz along with his son, Erez, who was 11, and his daughter, Sahar, who was 16. Both Erez and Sahar were released during the November ceasefire.

The hostages’ release comes as part of the ongoing efforts to secure the return of captives held by Hamas.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Source