(NewsNation) — The first American hostage since the cease fire deal between Hamas and Israel went into effect two weeks ago was released from Gaza City Saturday morning, along with two Israeli hostages.
Keith Siegel, 65, returned home to his family but not before an ominous fanfare as Hamas paraded him in front of a large crowd, as Hamas has done with each hostage release.
Keith Siegel
Siegel’s wife, Aviva, who was also taken hostage but released after 51 days, celebrated her husband’s release. Throughout the more than 400 days he remained in captivity, she vocally called for his return.
Telegraph reporter Jotam Confino joined NewsNation’s “Morning in America with Hena Doba” after the exchange.
“He looks very fragile. He looks thin. He’s being escorted by Hamas. It doesn’t look like he’s really able to walk fully by himself, but he’s out now,” Confino said.
His wife has spoken in Washington, D.C., multiple times with high-level officials to get Keith out and thanked President Donald Trump Saturday morning for finalizing the deal to get him out.
Yarden Bibas
Yarden Bibas, 35, and Ofer Kalderon, 54, were also released in an earlier handoff in Khan Younis, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, marking the fourth hostage-prisoner exchange of cease fire’s first phase.
Hundreds gathered in Tel Aviv’s “hostage square” to welcome the newly freed hostages, many appearing concerned and putting their hands together in prayer formation.
“His (Yarden Bibas’) family, mainly his wife and his two children, they have become somewhat of a symbol for Israel in this whole hostage strategy, mainly because they are very young,” Confino said.
Bibas is 35, and his youngest child was nine months old when he was kidnapped. Bibas’ other son was four years old at the time of the kidnapping.
“Yarden does not know if his wife and two children are alive or dead,” Confino said.
In November 2023, Bibas was forced to record a hostage video that his wife and children had been killed in an Israeli air strike, but it has not been confirmed.
“His nightmare is nowhere near ending,” Confino said. “He’s waiting for the Israeli government to find out more about his family.”
Ofer Kalderson
For Kalderon, he was reunited with his four children, two of whom were also held by Hamas. They were kidnapped from their home on Oct. 7, 2023, the first day of the now 15-month-long war.
What’s next in the Hamas-Israel cease fire?
Hostage negotiations between Hamas and Israel resume on Tuesday as the second phase of the deal approaches. In this phase, Israel said it would pull troops from Gaza, but that remains to be seen. All male Israeli soldiers and more Palestinian prisoners are supposed to be released.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to meet with Trump at the White House.
“So many are worried that any second the whole thing could break down. (Hamas) could execute hostages, or they could renew fighting with Israel,” Confino said. “So, we’re really taking it day by day here in Israel.”
