More Hostages Transferred To Red Cross, On Their Way To IDF, ISA Forces In Gaza
The names of the released hostages are: Ofer Kalderon, Yarden Bibas and US-Israeli citizen Keith Siegel.
JERUSALEM - Three more hostages that had been held by Hamas have been freed and are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza and will be transported to Israel to undergo a medical assessment. Initially, two were announced, then an additional person after.
The names of the released hostages are:
Ofer Kalderon
Yarden Bibas
US-Israeli citizen Keith Siegel.
Israel Defense Forces: "According to information communicated by the Red Cross, two hostages were transferred to them and are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza. After 484 days, Ofer and Yarden have finally been released from captivity.
According to information communicated by the Red Cross, one additional hostage was transferred to them and is on the way to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza.
IDF officers are accompanying the returning civilian hostages, and they will undergo an initial medical assessment. IDF representatives are accompanying the families waiting at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information.
The two returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
The commanders and soldiers of the IDF salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to Israel.
The IDF is prepared to receive an additional hostage in the near future."
Statement From Israeli President Isaac Herzog
President Isaac Herzog: "Yarden Bibas, Ofer Kalderon and Keith Siegel are finally home. How we have worried, and awaited their return. Yarden's reunion with his family is simply heartbreaking.
We all remain deeply concerned for the fate of our beloved Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas - as an entire nation we hold them in our hearts. The people of Israel stand by Yarden and the whole family, with great concern and in heartfelt prayer.
Ofer's children, Erez and Sahar, were returned to their loving mother, the courageous Hadas, and the rest of their family during the first exchange. Erez marked his Bar Mitzvah and read from the Torah just a few months ago – while his father was still held in Gaza.
Keith's heroic wife Aviva, was also returned in the first exchange to their four children and five grandchildren. Since then, we have seen Aviva speak out in countless meetings around the world, crying out and working unwaveringly for Keith’s return.
Each one deserves the time to rehabilitate and rebuild their lives, and every one of the hostages deserves to come home soon. We will not rest nor be silent until we return all our sisters and brothers from the hell of captivity in Gaza - until the last one!"