Israeli officials have confirmed that three hostages—Ofer Calderon, Keith Siegel, and Yarden Bibas—are scheduled to be released from Gaza on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
Keith Siegel, 65, a U.S. citizen originally from North Carolina, was abducted along with his wife, Aviva, from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Aviva was released in November 2023 during a previous hostage deal.
Ofer Calderon, 54, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, along with his two children, Erez and Sahar. The children were freed during an earlier ceasefire agreement.
Yarden Bibas, 35, was taken separately from his wife, Shiri, and their two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, also from Kibbutz Nir Oz.
Hamas has claimed that Shiri and the children were killed in captivity, a statement Israel has not officially confirmed but has acknowledged with “grave concern.” Yarden was reportedly wounded at the time of his abduction.
Israeli officials say that the families of the hostages have been informed and that Israel has accepted the release list presented by Hamas.