Hamas and Israel conducted their fourth hostage-for-prisoner exchange on Saturday, as part of the fragile ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Three Israeli hostages were freed, and Israel has begun releasing Palestinian prisoners in return.

Hostage Release and Medical Evaluations

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that three hostages—Keith Siegel (65), Ofer Kalderon (54), and Yarden Bibas (35)—were handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross in Gaza before being transferred to Israeli authorities.

Keith Siegel, a US-Israeli dual citizen, was taken from a kibbutz during the October 7, 2023, attacks. His wife, Aviva Siegel, was released in a previous exchange.

Ofer Kalderon, a French-Israeli citizen, and Yarden Bibas were released in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis. They were immediately transported to hospitals in Israel for medical assessments and reunions with their families.

Israel Releases Palestinian Prisoners

In response, Israel began releasing 183 Palestinian prisoners, including 111 detainees from Gaza who had been held without trial following the October 7 attack.

A bus carrying 32 prisoners departed Ofer Prison in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, with live footage showing their arrival in Ramallah. The releases are part of a broader ceasefire deal negotiated to secure the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Rafah Border Crossing Reopens for Medical Evacuations

Meanwhile, the Rafah crossing from Gaza to Egypt reopened for the first time since May 2024, allowing for the evacuation of 50 injured Palestinian civilians and 50 wounded militants. The European Union has deployed a civilian mission to oversee the border’s reopening and ensure humanitarian access.

Macron Celebrates Kalderon’s Release, Urges Action for Other Hostages
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the release of Ofer Kalderon, saying France shared in the “immense relief and joy” of his family after 483 days in captivity. He reiterated France’s commitment to securing the release of another Israeli-French citizen, Ohad Yahalomi, who remains in Hamas custody.

Ceasefire Holds as Hostage Exchanges Continue

Saturday’s swap is the fourth hostage exchange since the ceasefire began two weeks ago. In total, 15 Israeli hostages have been released under the agreement, while nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners are set to be freed in stages.

As negotiations continue, international mediators are working to extend the truce and secure the release of more hostages still held by Hamas.