After 484 Days in Captivity: Keith, Ofer, and Yarden Returned to Israel

Ofer Calderon and Yarden Bibas were transferred Saturday morning, February 1, by the Hamas terror organization to the Red Cross in Khan Yunis, and joined up with IDF forces, who brought them to a reception point in Re’im. 

Two hours later, Keith Siegel was released from Gaza Port. He ascended the stage briefly, wearing a hat and waving to the crowd. At the transfer point, Hamas gave him two bags. Reports said that one of them was for his wife, Avivah, who was freed in a November 2023 prisoner swap deal. 

He was later transferred to the IDF and crossed into Israel, where he met his wife. Ofer Calderon landed on a helipad at Sheba Medical Center, and when he noticed his friends, he ran to them and waved, to the sound of applause. 

Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing in the Prime Minister’s Office, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch said, “Today, three of our hostages were returned to Israel: Yarden Bibas, Ofer Kalderon and Keith Siegel. We welcome them with a big embrace. We have made arrangements for receiving them and will assist in their rehabilitation after a long period of captivity.” 

In an official statement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “Today, Americans celebrate the return of American-Israeli citizen Keith Siegel and two Israelis who were held captive by Hamas terrorists since October 7, 2023. President Trump and his Administration have worked diligently to secure their release and are committed to freeing all remaining hostages.” (INN/VFI News)

“Dear Lord, we have no sufficient words to thank You for helping three more hostages be free, three more families reunite. We thank You and we trust that You will complete the work You have started in the release of the hostages. We have faith that You always work for the good of those who love You and we are extremely grateful for seeing so many former captives be released, as well as for all the people who worked tirelessly for this purpose. We pray in Yeshua’s name that You comfort and heal all the hostages, former and current, as well as their families, and that You help them heal from the atrocities they have experienced. We know that You are close to the weary and the broken-hearted, that You are loving to those who suffer, that You become their fortress and shield when they turn to You. We thank You, we love You, and we praise Your Holy Name.”