According to the list received from the Hamas terrorist organization and approved by the government after notifying the families, the three male hostages Yarden Bibas, Keith Siegel, and Ofer Kalderon — all residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz — are expected to be freed tomorrow from Hamas captivity.
The Siegel family cried tears of relief; “Abba is coming home, he’s on the list!”:
Yarden Bibas: A Struggle for His Family’s Life
Yarden Bibas, 34, from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was kidnapped on October 7th along with his wife, Shiri, and their two children; 4 year old Ariel, and 9 month old Kfir. In a Hamas Go-pro video documenting the abduction, Shiri was seen wrapping her children in a blanket as they were taken into captivity.
Hamas previously claimed that Shiri and the children were killed in an IDF strike, but later Israeli security forces published a video proving that they were still alive in the early days of the war. A welder by profession, Yarden is described as a warm, sensitive person and a music enthusiast.
During his captivity, a video was released showing him alive, calling for his release and that of his family. Dina Moshe, a released hostage, recounted meeting Yarden in Gaza’s tunnels, where he was held in a cell after confronting his captors.
Keith Siegel: Born to Be Free
Keith Siegel, a doctor by profession, was also kidnapped during the attack on the kibbutz. He has been held in Hamas captivity for over a year.
His family waged a public campaign for his release, and now they eagerly await the long-awaited moment when he will return home.
Ofer Kalderon: His Children Were Released, He Remained in Captivity
Ofer Kalderon, 53, from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was kidnapped along with two of his children, 16-year-old Sahar and 12-year-old Erez. Sahar and Erez were released in the first hostage deal, but Ofer remained in captivity.
Ofer is known as a carpenter specializing in kitchens and a mountain biking enthusiast. His family fought relentlessly for his release and for the rehabilitation of his children.
The Hostages Families Forum Welcomes the News
The Hostage Families Headquarters released a statement: “We have the sacred duty and moral obligation to bring all our brothers and sisters home. We will not give up and will not stop at any stage until all the hostages return home—whether through the current agreement or beyond—until the last hostage is home: the living for rehabilitation and the fallen for a dignified burial in their homeland.”
It’s important to state that the families are requesting privacy and ask not to be contacted directly.
The return of Yarden Bibas, Keith Siegel, and Ofer Kalderon marks a moment of both joy and heartbreak — a step toward healing, yet a painful reminder of those still left behind. Their families have endured unimaginable anguish, clinging to hope through endless days of uncertainty. As they prepare to embrace their loved ones again, the fight is not over until every hostage is brought home.
