The radical Palestinian group „Hamas“ announced that it would release three Israeli hostages tomorrow - Ofer Calderon, Keith Siegel and Yarden Bibas, „Reuters“ reported. The news was confirmed by the spokesman for the military wing of „Hamas“ - the „Izzedine al-Qassam“ Brigades, Abu Obeida, quoted by BTA.
The conflict between Israel and „Hamas“ erupted on October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian group carried out an attack on Israeli territory. According to Israeli authorities, nearly 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were taken hostage.
In response, the Israeli army launched an offensive in the Gaza Strip, in which, according to the Hamas Health Ministry, 47,000 Palestinians were killed.
A six-week ceasefire came into effect on January 19, 2024, during which ten Israeli hostages have already been released. More prisoners are expected to be released as part of negotiations between the two countries.
Calderon holds Israeli-French citizenship, and Siegel also holds an American passport, highlighting the international interest in the fate of the hostages.