Israel Hamas releases 3 more hostages, including US citizen, as part of fragile ceasefire deal

Terror group Hamas on Saturday released three more hostages, an American-Israeli citizen Keith Siegel, as part of the ceasefire agreement with Israel.

Hamas first handed over Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas to the Red Cross, and both were later given over to IDF soldiers.

"Ofer is home! We are overwhelmed with joy, relief, and emotion after 484 long and difficult days of unbearable waiting," Kalderon's family said in a statement.

The family added that a "challenging rehabilitation period lies ahead, but we know that with our combined strength, abundant love, and a united, supportive family, we will do everything necessary to help him stand on his feet again."

Siegel, 65, was released later in the day. He was raised in North Carolina and immigrated to Israel as a young man, becoming a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen. He and his wife, Aviva, settled in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. He had been held in Gaza since October 7, 2023, when both were kidnapped from their home during the Hamas massacre.

Aviva Siegel, who was freed in the last hostage deal in November, previously told Fox News about her fears for his deteriorating health, emphasizing that the fight is not over until all hostages return. Alongside Siegel, French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas were also freed. Bibas’ wife and two young children remain in captivity.

Siegel would be the first American freed under the current ceasefire deal. So far, 10 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals abducted on October 7 have also been released. Six Americans remain in Gaza. Among them, Sagui Dekel-Chen, a 36-year-old father of three, is expected to be freed soon. Another captive, Edan Alexander, 21, from New Jersey, was serving in the IDF when taken. Hamas also holds the bodies of deceased hostages.