Two Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas after 484 days in captivity.
A third man is set to be handed over to the Red Cross.
This is happening as part of the recent ceasefire negotiations.
The continued release of hostages is expected to continue in the following weeks.
Hostage Released as Part of Ceasefire Negotiations
Hamas released two hostages to the Red Cross on Saturday in southern Gaza, as part of its ceasefire agreement with Israel, according to AP.
After 484 days in captivity, Israeli hostages Yarden Bibas and Ofer Kalderon (who also holds French citizenship) were transferred this morning to Red Cross vehicles in Khan Yunis.
Unlike previous releases, no Gaza civilians were present at the handover; only Hamas militants were on site.
The militants released 35-year-old Yarden Bibas and 54-year-old Ofer Kalderon, a Franco-Israeli national, in an organized and orderly handover to the Red Cross.
Both were kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on Israel, which sparked the ongoing war.
Another hostage, 65-year-old American-Israeli Keith Siegel, was also due to be released on Saturday and was expected to be handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City, further north.
The ceasefire, which began on January 19, aims to end the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas.
The fragile agreement has held for nearly two weeks, halting the fighting and allowing for increased aid shipments to the besieged coastal territory.
A total of 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners over the first six weeks of the ceasefire.
Israel has stated that it has received information from Hamas indicating that eight of these hostages were either killed in the October 7 attack or died while in captivity.
