Expected release to Israel of 3 high-profile male hostages sparks excitement, anxiety
Yarden Bibas, Keith Siegel and Ofer Kalderon, all kidnapped by Hamas in 2023, are household names due to big campaigns calling for their release
News that three high-profile hostages are expected to be released on Saturday, including the father of the youngest captives held in Gaza, brought excitement and trepidation to Israel on Friday.
Keith Siegel, Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas – father to youngsters Ariel and Kfir Bibas – have all become household names in Israel since their abduction, with major campaigns calling for their release.
The men’s release would be the fourth since a ceasefire paused the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas this month. In its first phase, 33 Israeli captives are expected to be freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel’s announcement of the names provided by Hamas dimmed hopes that the Bibas boys and their mother, Shiri, are still alive in captivity.
Hamas has said they are dead and Israel says it is gravely concerned about them. Around a third of some 80 people still held hostage in Gaza are believed to be dead.
Activists dressed in white and carrying white umbrellas held a silent protest on Friday outside the US embassy branch office in Tel Aviv to call for more releases, with yellow chairs representing the hostages.
