Hamas has named the three Israeli hostages set to be released from Gaza tomorrow.
Ofer Kalderon, Keith Siegel and Yarden Bibas will be freed by the terror group following 483 days in captivity.
Siegel, an American-Israeli, was taken from his home in kibbutz Kfar Aza during the October 7, 2023 terror attack along with his wife Aviva, who was released that November.
(L-R) Ofer Kalderon, Keith Siegel and Yarden Bibas have been listed for release from Gaza tomorrow (Image: Hostages and Missing Families Forum)[Missing Credit]
Similarly, Kalderon was kidnapped from kibbutz Nir Oz together with his two children, Erez and Shahar, who were freed during the same pause in fighting as Aviva.
The inclusion of Bibas, though, has deepened concern for his wife Shiri and his two young sons, who remain in Hamas’ hands.
Under humanitarian rules, it would be customary to release women and children before their male relatives, barring a pressing medical need.
Hamas has thus far refused to clarify the status of Shiri, five-year-old Ariel and two-year-old Kfir despite pressure from Israeli negotiators.
The group has reportedly confirmed that eight of the hostages due for release in this phase of the ceasefire are dead, but has not revealed their names.
The inclusion of Yarden Bibas has deepened concern for his wife Shiri and two young sons - Ariel, 5, and Kfir, 2 (Image: Getty)AFP via Getty Images
The announcement follows the release of three Israelis and five Thais yesterday.
Agam Berger, Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Mozes returned to their families, while five Thai agricultural workers abducted during the October 7 attacks were also transferred to Israel.
They were named as Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat and Rumnao Surasak.
The release came together on short-notice after Hamas failed to free Yehoud, a civilian, before a group of female soldiers last week, prompting accusations that it had breached the ceasefire deal.
A deal was struck separately over the Thai captives through Thai diplomatic channels.
However, the circumstances of their transfer to Red Cross officials has sparked a fresh row, with Yehoud, Mozes and the Thai group forced through a baying mob in Khan Younis.
Crowds jostled the captives, shouted slogans and attempted to take photographs as they were handed over to medics.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the spectacle “shocking” and said it offered “further proof of the unimaginable cruelty of the Hamas terrorist organisation”.