After 484 days in captivity, following the most recent release on Thursday as part of the hostage deal, three more hostages held by Hamas and Islamic Jihad were freed early this morning (Saturday): Keith Siegel, who holds American citizenship, Ofer Kalderon, and Yarden Bibas.
LIVEBLOG:
12:04 p.m.: Keith Siegel's family released a statement:
"At this moment, our father is stepping onto the soil of the Land of Israel, and we are overcome with indescribable emotion. After 484 long, terrifying days and nights filled with immense worry for our father, we can finally breathe. We want to thank the Israeli government and the United States for bringing this blessed deal to fruition. A deal that prioritizes human life and embodies Jewish and Israeli values.
"Our father was cruelly abducted from Israeli soil, and today he has returned to us. As citizens, it is our duty to ensure that all the hostages - those who are alive, back to their families and rehabilitation, and those who were murdered, for a proper burial in Israel - are brought home.
"We are grateful to the incredible IDF soldiers and security forces who risk their lives and bodies, and we send our condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones for the sake of us all. You are forever in our hearts. Only together can we bring everyone home!"
Video: The Siegel family celebrates Keith's release
12:10 p.m.: Yarden Bibas has arrived at Sheba Medical Center. Large crowds gathered to wave flags and cheer for him at the hospital complex.
11:55 a.m.: IDF Spokesperson: Keith Siegel has arrived at the initial reception point in Israel. Personnel from the IDF Manpower Directorate and medical teams are accompanying the released hostage, who will undergo an initial medical evaluation and reunite with his family. IDF representatives are also with his relatives waiting at the hospital, providing them with continuous updates.
11:44 a.m.: Tears and shouts of joy: Keith Siegel's family watches as he is transferred to the Red Cross from the initial reception point.
Video: Keith Siegel's family watches as he is transferred to the Red Cross
11:24 a.m.: Yarden Bibas with his family.
Video: Yarden Bibas with his family
11:10 a.m.: The IDF and Shin Bet: Released hostage Keith Siegel is currently being escorted by an elite IDF unit and a Shin Bet force on his way to Israel, where he will undergo an initial medical evaluation.
11:08 a.m.: Ofer Kalderon's helicopter has landed at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer.
10:48 a.m.: IDF Spokesperson: Ofer Kalderon is now airborne in an Israeli Air Force helicopter en route to Sheba Medical Center, where he is expected to reunite with his family and receive medical treatment. Yarden Bibas and his family are expected to depart soon for the hospital.
10:35 a.m.: Keith Siegel transferred to IDF forces in Gaza, and is on his way to Israel.
10:25 a.m.: Keith Siegel, on his feet, is transferred to the Red Cross at Gaza Port.
10:00 a.m.: Footage: Yarden Bibas and Ofer Kalderon in their first encounter with IDF forces.
09:57 a.m.: The Kalderon Family: "Ofer is Home! A feeling of joy, relief, and excitement fills us after 484 long and grueling days of inhumane waiting. Today, we were blessed to hug Ofer, to see him, and to grasp that he is here with us. We witnessed how, with incredible mental strength, he survived the horrors.
Ofer endured months of hell, and we are proud of his ability to survive it and remain steadfast in his goal of embracing his children again. A challenging rehabilitation period awaits him and us, but we know that with shared strength, boundless love, and a close-knit, supportive family, we will do everything necessary to help him stand on his feet again."
09:28 a.m.: The IDF announced that Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas have arrived at the initial reception point in Israel. Personnel from the IDF's Manpower Directorate and medical teams are accompanying the returning civilians, who will undergo an initial medical assessment. IDF representatives are providing continuous updates to the families waiting at the hospital.
09:09 a.m.: Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas, escorted by IDF and Shin Bet forces, have crossed the border into Israel and are now en route to the initial reception center in the Gaza border region.
09:00 a.m.: IDF: "The two returning hostages have been handed over to IDF and Shin Bet forces inside Gaza. They are now being escorted by an elite IDF unit and Shin Bet personnel on their way to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical evaluation. IDF commanders and soldiers salute and embrace the returnees as they make their way home."
08:53 a.m.: Ofer Kalderon's mother: "He looks a bit thin and pale, but overall he's okay. We're waiting for a big hug."
08:47 a.m.: IDF: According to information from the Red Cross, two hostages have been transferred into their custody and are now on their way to Israeli forces from the IDF and Shin Bet inside Gaza.
08:38 a.m.: Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas have been handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis.
08:20 a.m.: Red Cross vehicles have arrived at the designated meeting point in Khan Younis.
08:00 a.m.: Simultaneously with the hostage release, 183 imprisoned terrorists will be freed from Israeli prisons today, including 18 serving life sentences, 54 serving long-term sentences, and 111 detainees from Gaza arrested after October 7.
Israel has warned Hamas via mediators that it will not tolerate a repeat of the last prisoner release, during which armed militants and large crowds surrounded the hostages as they were transferred from the terrorist organizations' vehicles to the Red Cross.
The Hostages' journey after leaving Gaza
Once they leave Gaza, the hostages will be escorted by IDF forces to the reception center in Re'im, where they will receive initial medical and psychological care as needed and will have time to prepare before reuniting with their families. Following their reunions, they will be transferred to Ichilov and Sheba hospitals.
If urgent medical evacuation is required, they will be airlifted directly to Soroka or Barzilai hospitals without stopping at the reception center.
