Accra, Feb 1 (BBC/GNA) – The three Israeli men due to be freed today have now all been released by Hamas.
Yarden Bibas, 34, whose two sons are the youngest hostages taken by Hamas on 7 October 2023, was released earlier this morning in the southern city of Khan Younis. His wife Shiri, 33, and his two sons – Ariel, five, and Kfir, two – have not yet been released with the Israeli military saying they are “extremely concerned” about their welfare.
Ofer Kalderon, 53, a French-Israeli, was also released in Khan Younis today. He was taken from Nir Oz along with his two children, Erez and Sahar – both children were released in November 2023 as part of an earlier temporary ceasefire. French President Macron has welcomed his release.
Keith Siegel, 65, a US-Israeli citizen, was taken by Hamas along with his wife Adrienne, also known as Aviva, from their home in Kfar Aza. Adrienne was released in November 2023.
As a reminder, the three hostages have been freed in exchange for more than 180 Palestinian prisoners, who are expected to be released later today.
GNA/BBC