Terror Group Hamas Releases Three More Hostages, Including American-Israeli Citizen
Hamas released three more hostages, including American-Israeli citizen Keith Siegel, as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel. The release brings the total number of hostages freed to 15, with 79 still held captive.
Siegel, 65, was kidnapped from his home in Gaza in October 2023 along with his wife, Aviva, who was freed in a previous hostage deal. He was released later in the day and was met by his family at the Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.
Siegel’s family thanked President Trump for his release, saying, “Finally, after 484 long, terrifying days and nights, full of immense worry for our father, we can breathe again. Thank you President Trump, for bringing our father back to us.”
The release also included French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas, who were held captive for over a year. Bibas’ wife and two young children remain in captivity.
The ceasefire deal, which is unfolding in phases, involves the staggered release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and increased humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, the process has faced setbacks, including horrific scenes this week when Hamas paraded hostages before an angry mob, endangering their safety.
The deal includes additional hostage releases in the coming weeks, with 33 captives expected to be freed over six weeks. In return, Israel will release 2,000 Palestinian security prisoners, including 250-300 convicted of deadly attacks, and allow increased humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The White House stated, “Today, Americans celebrate the return of American-Israeli citizen Keith Siegel and two Israelis who were held captive by Hamas terrorists since October 7, 2023. President Trump and his Administration have worked diligently to secure their release and are committed to freeing all remaining hostages.”
The struggle for the families of those still held captive is far from over. Yechi Yehoud, father of released hostage Arbel Yehoud, delivered an emotional statement upon her return, saying, “Arbel has come back to us in reasonable health, considering the hell she endured. We won’t rest until we know they’re back with us, alive!”