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The Prime Minister's Office announced on Friday afternoon that Israel has received the list of Hamas hostages to be released on Saturday.
The three hostages who will be released are all alive. Their families have been informed of their impending release.
It was later confirmed that Yarden Bibas, Ofer Calderon, and Keith Siegel will be released tomorrow.
The release is scheduled to take place in the early morning hours of Saturday. The three will likely be released from two different points in the Gaza Strip, from Gaza City and Khan Yunis.
Yarden Bibas (35) is a resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz. As a welder, he continuously developed his craft through learning new techniques, while enjoying music and stand-up comedy shows. Family and friends describe him as sensitive, caring, and good-humored, known for his big smile and kind eyes. On October 7th, he was kidnapped from his home in Nir Oz. His wife Shiri and their two sons, Ariel and Kfir, remain in Hamas captivity in Gaza. Israel fears that Yarden's wife and children, who are the two youngest hostages, are no longer alive.
Ofer Calderon (54) is a resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz. As a carpenter specializing in kitchen design, dedicated himself to his craft, while pursuing his passions for cycling, hiking, and flying model planes. Family and friends describe him as warm, family-oriented, and uplifting. On October 7th, he was kidnapped from his home in Nir Oz together with his children Sahar and Erez, who were released after 52 days in Hamas captivity.
Keith Siegel (65) is a resident of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, having immigrated from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States over 40 years ago. As an occupational therapist, he dedicated his life to helping others, while maintaining his passion for nature and cherishing time spent with his grandchildren. On October 7th, he was kidnapped from his home in Kfar Aza together with his wife Aviva, who was released after 51 days in Hamas captivity.
Israel hopes that the terrorist organization will fulfill its commitment to release the hostages without the shocking displays that took place yesterday during the release of Agam Berger, Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes, who were surrounded by mobs during their releases.
Israel was furious and conveyed a message to the mediators that it will not accept another situation in which a crowd of Gazans with hate in their eyes pushed past the Red Cross vehicles that were transporting the hostages, putting them at risk even as they were being freed.
(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)