Hamas Releases Two Israeli Hostages After 484 Days
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Synopsis
On February 1, Israel confirmed the release of two hostages, Ofer Calderon and Yardan Bibas, by Hamas after 484 days in captivity. The Israeli Defense Forces and Shin Bet received the hostages, who are now undergoing medical evaluations.
Key Takeaways
- Two hostages released after 484 days
- Ofer Calderon and Yardan Bibas returned safely
- Transferred to Red Cross and IDF
- Israeli Prime Minister welcomed them home
- Another hostage, Keith Siegel, to be released soon
Gaza Strip, Feb 1 (NationPress) On Saturday, Israel disclosed the liberation of two hostages -- Ofer Calderon and Yardan Bibas -- by Hamas in the Gaza Strip following 484 days of captivity.
The 54-year-old Israeli-French national Calderon and 35-year-old Israeli civilian Bibas were transferred by Hamas to the Red Cross, which then conveyed them to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet in the Gaza Strip.
The military also noted that another captive, 65-year-old Israeli-American citizen Keith Siegel, is set to be released as well and will also be handed over to the Red Cross at a different location.
"The returning citizens Ofer Calderon and Yardan Bibas, escorted by IDF and Shin Bet personnel, recently crossed back into the territory of the State of Israel and are now en route to the primary absorption point in the Gaza Strip," the IDF mentioned in a post on X.
"The two returning abductees are currently being escorted by an elite IDF unit along with Shin Bet security forces toward Israel, where they will receive an initial medical evaluation," the forces added in another post.
"IDF commanders and soldiers salute and embrace the returnees on their journey to Israel. The IDF spokesperson urges the public to act with responsibility and sensitivity, respecting the privacy of the returnees. The IDF is prepared to accommodate another abductee in the near future," the forces stated.
Following their transfer to the Israeli military, the three hostages are expected to proceed to the IDF's Reim base located near the Gaza border, where they will reunite with family members before being airlifted by helicopters to hospitals in central Israel.
Previously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement celebrating the safe return of the three Israelis released on Thursday from captivity in Gaza -- Agam Berger, Arbel Yehud, and Gadi Moses.
Netanyahu also expressed criticism regarding how Hamas managed their release.
"Agam, Arbel, Gadi -- welcome home," he stated.
"The entire State of Israel embraces you, as do my wife Sara and I."
"This release was achieved primarily thanks to our brave soldiers, and it was also made possible by the resolute and determined stance we maintained during negotiations," Netanyahu concluded.
