Hamas released three more hostages on Saturday, a swift action that stands in stark contrast to previous chaotic handovers. This release is part of a longer 42-day cease-fire with Israel, during which Hamas agreed to progressively free 33 hostages in return for the release of over 1,000 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, alongside a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces. Among the released is Yarden Bibas, whose family's abduction has become a poignant symbol of the ongoing conflict, particularly as Hamas claimed his wife and children were killed in airstrikes, a claim not confirmed by Israeli officials.
The hostage release is part of a 42-day cease-fire deal that went into effect last month, pausing the fighting between Israel and Hamas.
Hamas agreed to incrementally release 33 of the nearly 100 remaining hostages in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinians jailed by Israel and a partial Israeli withdrawal.
For many Israelis, the abduction of Mr. Bibas and his family has become emblematic of the cruelty of the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
In November 2023, Hamas posted a video showing him being told that they had died in captivity.
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