Sat Feb 01 07:07:15 UTC 2025: ## Hamas Releases Three Israeli Captives in Gaza as Part of Ceasefire Deal

**GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip –** Three Israeli captives – Ofer Kalderon, Yarden Bibas, and Keith Siegel – were released by Hamas in Gaza on Saturday, marking another step in the implementation of a ceasefire agreement that ended a 15-month conflict. Kalderon and Bibas were handed over to the International Red Cross in Khan Younis, while Siegel was released in Gaza City. The handovers, witnessed by Al Jazeera, were described as “well-organized” by reporters on the ground, a contrast to previous prisoner exchanges. The released Israelis are now back in Israel for medical checks before reuniting with their families.

The release is part of a broader deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, with US backing, that also includes the release of 183 Palestinian prisoners by Israel. Further negotiations are scheduled to begin Tuesday concerning the release of over 60 remaining captives, additional Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt is also expected to reopen later Saturday, allowing the passage of 50 sick Palestinians for treatment in Egypt, along with three family members each. This reopening will also facilitate the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza. Despite this positive development, an Israeli columnist noted a relative lack of media coverage of the Rafah crossing opening within Israel.

The initial six-week ceasefire, agreed upon in January, has largely held despite some reported violations by both sides. The conflict began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the capture of over 250 people, according to Israeli figures. Israel’s subsequent response has devastated Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 47,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health authorities. The release of the three Israeli captives represents a significant step towards a broader, more lasting resolution.

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