Three hostages, including US citizen, set to be released by Hamas tomorrow
Hamas to Release Hostages in Israel
In Tel Aviv, Israeli officials have announced that three hostages, Ofer Calderon, Keith Siegel, and Yarden Bibas, will be released by Hamas. Keith Siegel, a 65-year-old from North Carolina, was taken with his wife, Aviva, from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Aviva was freed in November 2023. Ofer Calderon, 54, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz with his children, Erez and Sahar, who were released earlier. Yarden Bibas, 35, was captured separately from his family, who were also taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Hamas claims that Yarden's wife, Shiri, and their children, Ariel and Kfir, died in captivity, but Israel has not confirmed this, expressing grave concern for their safety. The families of the hostages have been informed, and Israel has agreed to Hamas' release list.
On Thursday, Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners after receiving security assurances from ceasefire mediators. This followed chaotic scenes during a previous hostage exchange in Khan Younis. Israel had initially delayed the release of Palestinian prisoners, demanding safe passage for hostages. The situation was tense, with Israeli hostage Arbel Yehoud forced to walk through a hostile crowd during the exchange. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and abducting more than 200. In response, Israel's counter-offensive in Gaza has resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths. A previous ceasefire in November 2023 saw the release of over 100 hostages.
Doubts Revealed
Hamas
Hamas is a group that controls the Gaza Strip, a small area near Israel. They have been in conflict with Israel for many years.
Hostages
Hostages are people who are captured and held by someone, usually to get something in return. In this case, Hamas captured some people and is now releasing them.
Ofer Calderon
Ofer Calderon is one of the people who was captured by Hamas and is now being released.
Keith Siegel
Keith Siegel is a person from the United States who was captured by Hamas. He is being released now, but his wife was released earlier.
Yarden Bibas
Yarden Bibas is another person who was captured by Hamas. His family was also captured, but Hamas says they died while being held.
Israeli officials
Israeli officials are people who work for the government of Israel. They help make decisions and manage the country.
Palestinian prisoners
Palestinian prisoners are people from Palestine who were held in Israeli jails. Israel released some of them as part of an agreement to get the hostages back.
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