American among latest hostage release in Gaza as Israel preps prisoner exchange

An Israeli American was among the latest batch of hostages released from Gaza during the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, according to officials.

Hamas freed three hostages on Saturday, including Keith Siegel, 65, an American from North Carolina. Two of the hostages, Yarden Bibas and Ofer Kalderon, were handed over to the Red Cross workers in Khan Younis while Siegel, who is a dual citizen of Israel and the U.S., was released in Gaza City later on Saturday.

All three of the hostages were taken on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas conducted a terrorist attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking some 250 people hostage.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Saturday morning that Siegel is “taking off in an IAF helicopter to the hospital, where he will reunite with members of his family and receive medical treatment.” 

This marks the fourth exchange of individuals since the pause in fighting between Hamas and Israel began on Jan. 19, with the number of hostages released climbing to 18. Under the first phase of the agreement, 33 captives are set to be released and nearly 2,000 Palestinians prisoners freed in exchange.

Saturday's release appears to be more peaceful compared to earlier this week, when videos showed the hostages being forced to walk among a surging crowd. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office cautioned earlier this week that the release of prisoners could be delayed until the “safe exit of our hostages in the next phase is assured.” 

This time, the crowds were kept at a distance. 

Israel confirmed that most of the 183 Palestinian prisoners set to be released over the weekend were freed back into the Gaza Strip on Saturday. 

Siegel’s wife, Aviva Siegel, was released during a brief ceasefire in 2023. 

Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers last weekend. In return, Israel freed around 70 Palestinian prisoners. 

Since the first phase of the ceasefire between the two sides went into effect, more humanitarian aid has flown into Gaza. Palestinians have also returned to the Gaza Strip, which was nearly leveled by Israel's bombardment following the Oct. 7 attack, which sparked the war in the region.

Over 47,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict erupted 15 months ago, according to local health officials. That tally does not distinguish between civilians and militants.