Former hostages Keith Siegel, Yarden Bibas & Ofer Calderon are free | Rafah crossing opens for first time | Yarden Bibas released without family
13:19 - Ofer Calderon meets his children after release from captivity
The IDF released family of Ofer Calderon arriving at the hospital in Israel and meeting his children there.
The Kalderon family is back together again. pic.twitter.com/N8OeBCgodp
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 1, 2025
The face of a man who’s finally back home💛 pic.twitter.com/7LIi1ql6vh
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 1, 2025
11:35 - Keith Siegel crosses into Israeli territory
Released hostage Keith Siegel reached Israeli territory, the IDF stated.
"Keith Siegel, accompanied by IDF and Shin Bet forces, recently crossed the border into the territory of the State of Israel and is now on his way to the initial reception point in the Gaza Strip, where he will meet with his family," the military said.
11:32 - Yarden Bibas meets father and sister after release
The IDF released footage of Yarden Bibas meeting his family members after crossing into Israeli territory.
Footage shows released hostage Yarden Bibas meeting with family members at an IDF facility near Re'im after 484 days in Hamas captivity. pic.twitter.com/Ia09t9EDw6
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) February 1, 2025
11:08 - After hostage release, Rafah border crossing reopens for first time
Israel approved the limited reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt today, in exchange for the release of all living civilian hostages that was completed earlier.
There is still no official information about the fate of Shiri Bibas and her two young children Ariel and Kfir. Israel only said there are "grave concerns" for their well-being, and continues to demand more information about their condition from Hamas.
11:04 - Keith Siegel is handed over to Israeli troops in Gaza
After 484 days in captivity, Keith Siegel was handed over to IDF troops in the Gaza Strip, and is now being transported to Israel to meet his family.
10:59 - Ofer Calderon on the way to hospital, Yarden Bibas meets family near border
Released hostage Ofer Calderon is being taken by helicopter to meet his family in a hospital in central Israel, the IDF stated.
Meanwhile, Yarden Bibas met his family members in the IDF base in Re'im near the border, and will be taken to a hospital later.
10:27 - Keith Siegel handed over to Red Cross, is being taken to IDF post
Released hostage Keith Siegel was handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas in the port of Gaza and entered a Red Cross vehicle.
He is now being taken to an IDF post in the Gaza Strip.
Hostage Keith Siegel is being handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross after 484 days in captivity.
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) February 1, 2025
Siegel is paraded on a stage at the port of Gaza City pic.twitter.com/yJfX319X8P
09:56 – Red Cross on the way to handover point for hostage Keith Siegel
Representatives of the Red Cross are on the way to handover point for Israeli hostage Keith Siegel in the port of Gaza, where Hamas has prepared a stage and where hundreds of onlookers have gathered.
09:31 – Freed hostages reach reception point near Gaza border
Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon have reached the initial reception point in Re’im near the Gaza border, the IDF stated.
“IDF personnel and medical personnel are accompanying the returning citizens, who will undergo an initial medical assessment,” the army said.
“IDF representatives are also accompanying the family members waiting at the hospital and providing them with regular updates.”
Released hostages Yarden Bibas and Ofer Caldero meet IDF troops in the Gaza Strip earlier this morning, images published by the military show. pic.twitter.com/4AV1LzMKP1
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) February 1, 2025
09:26 – Official confirmation: Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon are back in Israel
The former hostages Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon have crossed into Israeli territory, the Israeli government confirmed.
“The Government of Israel embraces the two returnees. Their families have been updated by the responsible authorities that they are with our forces,” according to an official statement.
“The Government, together with all of the security officials, will accompany them and their families. The Government of Israel is committed to returning all of the hostages and the missing.”
After 484 days, Ofer and Yarden have finally been released from captivity. pic.twitter.com/52zKkhXUhP
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 1, 2025
Saturday morning: Hamas released the Israeli hostages Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon
Israeli civilians Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon were released by Hamas in the southern city Khan Younis of Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip, after 484 days in captivity.
Bibas and Calderon were handed over to the Red Cross after Hamas paraded them on a stage during a short release ceremony.
Bibas’ wife Shiri and their two young children Ariel and Kfir are still being held hostage by Hamas.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
