For the first time in nine months, the Rafah Crossing has been reopened, after nine months. This marks a significant breakthrough in negotiations. The reopening is part of the ceasefire deal agreed upon by Israel and Hamas earlier this month, which also included a high-profile hostage exchange.
Three More Israelis Released in Hostage Exchange
Hamas released three more Israeli hostages who had been held captive in Gaza for 484 days. In response, Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners.
On Saturday morning, 54-year-old Ofer Kalderon and 35-year-old Yarden Bibas were handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza. They were then transported to the Re’im military base for medical examinations and reunions with immediate family members.
A third hostage, 65-year-old Israeli-American Keith Siegel, was later handed over at the destroyed Port of Gaza. Siegel has since crossed into Israeli territory and joined the other two men at Re’im. They were then transferred to a hospital for medical care.
Fears for Missing Hostages
Concerns remain regarding the fate of Mr. Bibas’s wife, Shiri, and their two young children, Ariel, 5, and Kfir, 2. The family was taken hostage during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, and Israeli authorities fear they may not have survived. It is unclear if Mr. Bibas has any information about their fate.