Washington D.C. – February 01, 2025 – Hostage Aid Worldwide welcomes the release of American citizen Keith Siegel, Ofer Calderon, a French-Portuguese national, and Yarden Bibas, as part of the latest phase of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, marking another step forward in securing the freedom of hostages. As part of this exchange, 90 Palestinian detainees were also freed, returning to their families.
Keith Siegel was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Kfar Azza on October 7, 2023 along with his wife, Aviva. While Aviva was released on Nov. 26, 2023, Keith remained captive for 484 days. Ofer Calderon was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz. His children, Sahar Dan Kalderon and Erez Kalderon, were released on November 27, 2023. Yarden Bibas was also taken that day from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and while he has now been released, the fate of his Argentinian wife Shiri Bibas and their two children Ariel and Kfir remains unknown.
“We are thrilled to see these captives reunited at last with their loved ones,” said President Nizar Zakka of Hostage Aid Worldwide. “Every release is a step forward, but many are still waiting for the day they can hold their loved ones again. I know that Yarden Bibas’s freedom won’t be complete before knowing what happened to his wife Shiri, and children Ariel, & Kfir. No family should have to endure this painful uncertainty.”
Hostage Aid persists in urging the U.S. government, European leaders, and the international community to ensure the full implementation of the agreement and to continue diplomatic efforts until all hostages are returned home. The process must continue until every hostage is free.
