Hostages Freed After 484 Days: A Relieved Reunion

Three hostages abducted during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack were released by Hamas on February 1, 2025, under an ongoing ceasefire deal. Ofer Calderon, Yarden Bibas, and Keith Siegel were freed almost five hundred days after being taken from their communities near the Gaza border.

The Details of Their Release

Ofer Calderon, 54, and Yarden Bibas, 35, were released to the International Red Cross in south Gaza’s Khan Younis in the morning. Keith Siegel, 65, was handed over at the Gaza City port almost two hours later.

The Hamas-led operation was more orderly than the previous release of three Israelis and five Thai nationals the day before. Hamas organized stages at both locations to facilitate the handover of the hostages. Calderon and Bibas were freed shortly after 8:30 a.m., while Siegel followed at 10 a.m.

The Red Cross played a significant role in coordinating the release, setting up desks on the stages to sign the handover documents provided by Hamas.

Calderon and Bibas were released first, walking onto the Hamas-organized stage in Khan Younis with the certificates issued by the terror group. Siegel was handed over at Gaza City’s port, paraded on a stage overlooking the sea. He carried two “gift bags” forced on the hostages by Hamas fighters. The second bag was reportedly for his wife, Aviva, who had been freed in November 2023.

Ex-hostage Aviva Siegel speaks at the Hostages Families Forum on October 13, 2024. (Screenshot)

Siegel had a thin and pale appearance but was able to walk, supported by masked and armed Hamas fighters.

Emotional ReunionsAwait

The Red Cross transported the freed hostages to IDF and Shin Bet forces within Gaza, who escorted them to a military facility near the border to reunite with their families and undergo initial medical and psychological assessments.

Released hostage Ofer Calderon (R) meets with an IDF soldier after returning to Israel on February 1 2025 (Israel Defense Force)

Supporters lined the route near the base close to Re’im, waving flags and holding placards to welcome their return. After his release, Calderon was reunited with his children at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, where videos of their long-awaited reunion were released.

Israeli Ofer Kalderon who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, waves before being handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Feb. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem)

The Ongoing Ceasefire and Challenges Ahead

The ceasefire deal mandates the release of 33 so-called “humanitarian hostages” over its first 42-day phase, including mothers and young children, followed by injured and infirm men and those over 50 years old. So far, 13 Israeli hostages have been freed as part of this deal, with the next phase subject to negotiations.

Concerns remain high about the fate of Yarden Bibas’s wife, Shiri, and their two young children, Ariel and Kfir. Hamas claims that they were killed in captivity, a claim Israel has not confirmed but expresses grave concern about. A video circulated hours after the abduction showed Shiri holding the boys, her face expressionless and them covered by a blanket, serving as a grim symbol of the Hamas attack.

The Bibas family — father Yarden, four-year-old Ariel, mother Shiri and baby Kfir — who were abducted by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023 from Kibbutz Nir Oz. (Courtesy)

Tragically, Bibas was wounded during his kidnapping, separated from his family, and held separately. His cousin, Oriah, expressed hope that the hostage situation would continue to improve, urging public support and privacy for the family.

International Reactions and Ongoing Negotiations

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed relief for Ofer Calderon’s release after what he described as an “unimaginable hell,” and called for the release of Ohad Yahalomi, the last French national still in Hamas’ hands.

בדרך למשפחה – ולילדיו שנחטפו יחד UNSIGNED_WITH_HERSHEY: עופר קלדרון מועבר במסוק לבית החולים שיבא pic.twitter.com/4McIg7dZAb

— ynet עדכוני (@ynetalerts) February 1, 2025

The US Embassy in Jerusalem also celebrated the release of Keith Siegel, describing it as a “huge sigh of relief” after 484 days of captivity. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Stephanie Hallett emphasized that the campaign to free all hostages would continue.

Today I join Aviva, her children, grandchildren, and the entire Siegel family in breathing a huge sigh of relief that fellow American Keith is finally home after 484 agonizing days in Hamas captivity.??????????????

I’m elated to see Ofer Calderon and Yarden Bibas also released…

— Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Stephanie Hallett (@USAmbIsrael) February 1, 2025

Mixed Emotions and Public Support

At Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, hundreds of supporters cheered as they watched live footage of the hostages being set free on a large screen. The atmosphere was one of mixed emotions, with families celebrating the freedom of loved ones while mourning those still missing.

Israelis watch the release of Keith Siegel from Hamas captivity in Gaza, at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. (Adar Eyal / Hostages Families Forum)

Relatives of Yarden Bibas echoed similar sentiments, expressing both excitement at his release and worry over the fate of his family. They urged respect for their privacy in the coming period.

Broader Implications

The release is part of a phased deal designed to lead to a sustainable calm in Gaza. The next stage involves the release of all remaining living hostages and an exchange of more Palestinian prisoners for Israeli captives, amidst ongoing negotiations.

Talks on the next phase are set to begin no later than February 3, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden meeting on February 4 in Washington D.C. to continue discussions.

The ceasefire deal also includes a provision for Israel to withdraw from Gaza, though the timeline and conditions of this withdrawal remain under negotiation.

The 33 hostages slated to be returned in phase one of the Gaza ceasefire deal. (Photos courtesy)

Looking Forward

While the release of Ofer Calderon, Yarden Bibas, and Keith Siegel marks a significant step forward, many challenges remain. The fate of other hostages, particularly those including women and children, provokes deep concern and calls for continued efforts to secure their freedom.

The international community continues to support Israel and Gaza in reaching a peaceful resolution, with ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at cementing the ceasefire and achieving a more sustainable and secure future for both peoples.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below. Your voice matters, and we value your opinion.
Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments.