On February 1, 2025, Hamas facilitated the release of three Israeli hostages in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners, marking a significant development under the terms of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. This exchange is part of a broader effort to maintain peace and humanitarian relief following more than 15 months of conflict.
The released Israeli hostages include:
● Ofer Kalderon, a French-Israeli national
● Yarden Bibas, an Israeli citizen
● Keith Siegel, an American-Israeli national
The handover of the hostages occurred in different locations within Gaza. Kalderon and Bibas were transferred in Khan Younis, while Siegel was released at the Gaza City seaport. Their return to Israel follows months of captivity and has been met with relief from their families and the Israeli government.
In return, Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners. Of these, 150 returned to Gaza, 32 to the West Bank, and one was exiled to Egypt. This exchange of prisoners is the latest in a series of steps intended to de-escalate tensions and support the terms of the ceasefire agreement that began on January 19, 2025. This agreement has also included provisions for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the region.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the exchange by assisting in the safe transfer of both the Israeli hostages and the Palestinian prisoners. The three Israeli hostages were handed over to ICRC representatives and then returned to Israeli authorities, while the Palestinian prisoners were released into the custody of the Palestinian Authority.
Alongside this, the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt was reopened, allowing 50 Palestinian patients to travel to Egypt for medical treatment. This step is seen as a significant move in maintaining the fragile ceasefire and easing the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Despite the progress made, tensions remain high, and mistrust persists between the two sides. Negotiations are ongoing for the potential release of additional hostages and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The international community continues to closely monitor the situation, hoping for a lasting and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.