Gaza hostage release: Families rejoice, others wait
Three more Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip have been released by the Hamas terrorist group in exchange for more than 180 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
This is the fourth exchange since the ceasefire agreement took effect in the Palestinian enclave on January 19. Meanwhile, Israel warned Hamas militants that they risk sanctions if they allow further disruptions around International Red Cross vehicles, as occurred on Thursday, during the previous exchange of prisoners and hostages.
The Franco-Israeli hostage, Ofer Kalderon, embraced his four children and brother at the hospital, after doctors made sure he was well after being released from Hamas captivity. Ofer Kalderon was released alongside another Israeli hostage. Yarden Bibas was reunited with his parents and sister at the medical center. But the family's joy is incomplete, as the man, who was kidnapped with his wife and two children, returned home alone; his wife and children remain in captivity.
Israelis celebrated in Hostages' Square in Tel Aviv. They waved the Israeli flag and wept as they watched on a giant screen as Yarden Bibas and Ofer Kalderon were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza. Keith Siegel, who holds dual US and Israeli citizenship, was released a little later.
"We want this war to end. So many people have suffered so much; it's enough. We want all our hostages to come home. We don't want to occupy Gaza; we don't want to settle there. We want our lives back. That is what we really want to do."
"When I see them, I just want to cry. I am very emotional, because it is horrible what these people have gone through."
Crowds also gathered outside the hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, to welcome the Palestinian prisoners released by Israel in the exchange. Israel transferred 183 Palestinian prisoners and detainees who were also greeted by relatives and loved ones.
Some Israelis said they were concerned about the release of so many prisoners as part of the deal. This is because 18 of the detainees were serving life sentences, 54 were serving lengthy prison terms, and the remaining 100-plus were detained following the events of October 7, 2023. This is the fourth hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas. So far, 17 hostages have been released in exchange for 400 Palestinians. Negotiations on the release of the remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza are expected to begin by Tuesday, as part of the second phase of the agreement.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
