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Father of youngest hostage among three men to be released on Saturday, Hamas says
Raffi Berg
BBC News, London
ReutersThe Palestinian armed group Hamas has released the names of three hostages it says it will free on Saturday under the ceasefire deal with Israel.
They are Israelis Ofer Kalderon, 53, and Yarden Bibas, 34, and American-Israeli Keith Siegel, 65.
Mr Bibas is the father of Kfir, the youngest hostage who was 10 months old when he was kidnapped by Hamas. His wife Shiri and their other son Ariel, four, were also captured.
The Israeli prime minister’s office said Israel had received the list of hostages.
Israel will release another batch of Palestinian prisoners in return.
It will mark the fourth such exchange of hostages for prisoners since the ceasefire came into effect on 19 January.
Some 251 hostages were taken by Hamas when it attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, killing about 1,200 people.
The attack triggered a war which has devastated Gaza. Israel’s 15-month military offensive killed 47,460 Palestinians in the territory, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas were taken by Hamas from Nir Oz, while Keith Siegel was taken from Kfar Aza.
Mr Bibas’ wife Shiri, and their two children, Ariel, now five, and Kfir, now two, were also taken captive. Their fate is unknown.
Their release will bring the number of hostages freed under the ceasefire deal so far to 18.
Four hundred Palestinian prisoners – ranging from those serving long sentences for bombings and other attacks to teenagers held without charge – have so far been freed in exchange.
Most have returned to the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, while many of the most serious offenders have been deported.
The father of the youngest hostage among the three men to be released on Saturday by Hamas is filled with relief and gratitude. After weeks of uncertainty and fear, he can finally look forward to being reunited with his son.
The three men were taken hostage while on a humanitarian mission in Gaza, and their families have been anxiously waiting for news of their release. The father of the youngest hostage has been a pillar of strength throughout this ordeal, keeping faith that his son would come home safely.
As Hamas announces the imminent release of the hostages, the father’s prayers have been answered. He is overwhelmed with emotion, grateful to everyone who has supported his family during this difficult time.
The release of the hostages is a glimmer of hope in the midst of conflict and strife. The father of the youngest hostage is looking forward to embracing his son and cherishing every moment they have together.
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Father of youngest hostage, Hamas, release, Saturday, hostage situation, father’s relief, family reunion, Middle East hostages, Palestinian conflict, international news.
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