Hamas Releases Third Hostage of the Day, Including Israeli-American Keith Siegel

Hamas has released 65-year-old Israeli-American hostage Keith Siegel after 484 days in captivity, marking the third hostage freed on Saturday.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Siegel’s release, stating that medical officials were assessing his condition at a reception point in southern Israel.

Siegel was abducted along with his wife, Aviva, from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023. While Aviva was freed in a ceasefire-hostage deal in November 2023, Keith remained in captivity until now.

“After 484 days, Keith has finally been released from captivity,” the IDF announced in a post on X.

Earlier in the day, Hamas also released two other hostages—54-year-old Israeli-French citizen Ofer Calderon and 35-year-old Israeli civilian Yardan Bibas. The Red Cross facilitated their transfer to Israeli military officials.

Following their release, all three hostages were taken to the IDF’s Reim base near the Gaza border, where they reunited with their families before being flown to hospitals in central Israel for further medical assessments. Emotional videos of these reunions were shared by the IDF.

The latest releases follow the return of three other hostages—Agam Berger, Arbel Yehud, and Gadi Moses—on Thursday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the hostages home, crediting Israel’s military efforts and firm stance in negotiations for their safe return.

“This release was achieved, first of all, thanks to our heroic soldiers, and it was also achieved thanks to the steadfast and determined stand that we took during the negotiations,” Netanyahu stated.

The hostage releases were part of the fourth batch under a negotiated prisoner exchange and ceasefire deal, coordinated with international mediators to ensure safe passage.