Yarden Bibas and Ofer Kalderon Return to Israel After 484 Days in Captivity

Yarden Bibas and Ofer Kalderon Return to Israel After 484 Days in Captivity

Yarden Bibas and Ofer Kalderon Return to Israel After 484 Days in Captivity

After an agonizing 484 days in Hamas captivity, Yarden Bibas and Ofer Kalderon have finally returned to Israeli soil. The two were released early Saturday morning from Khan Yunis, where they had been held, and were handed over to Red Cross teams before crossing into Israel. The emotional moment was met with relief but also deep concern, as Yarden’s wife, Shiri, and their two children, Kfir and Ariel, remain in Gaza.

Following their return, Bibas and Kalderon arrived at the IDF’s Re’im base, where they reunited with some of their family members. As part of protocol, both underwent an initial medical evaluation before being transferred to Sheba Medical Center for further treatment. Although they were able to walk independently, their physical and emotional condition remains under close observation.

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Meanwhile, a third hostage, Keith Siegel, is set to be released separately from Gaza City later in the day. His wife, Aviva, who was freed in a previous hostage exchange, has already begun traveling to the Israeli meeting point, anxiously awaiting their reunion.

The handover of Bibas and Kalderon was conducted under tight security, but it was evident that Hamas orchestrated the release as a staged event, similar to previous exchanges. Footage from Al Jazeera showed armed Hamas operatives surrounding the captives before they were transferred to the Red Cross. Notably, Kalderon was seen wearing a Hamas-issued military-style uniform, raising questions about the conditions and psychological pressure the hostages endured while in captivity.

This latest release comes amid ongoing negotiations and heightened international pressure to secure the freedom of remaining hostages, including Bibas’ wife and children. Israel has been demanding clear answers from Hamas regarding their whereabouts, but so far, no new information has been provided—intensifying fears for their safety.

As part of the deal facilitating the hostage release, Israel is set to free 90 Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas’ so-called "Ministry of Prisoners" in Gaza claims that a total of 183 Palestinian detainees are set to be released, including individuals serving life sentences for terror-related offenses.

The return of Bibas and Kalderon marks a moment of relief, but also a stark reminder of those who remain in captivity. The fight for the safe return of all hostages is far from over.

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