Hamas releases eight hostages but tensions surrounding fragile ceasefire soar

Since the truce took effect on January 19, Gaza militants have released 15 hostages after holding them in captivity since their attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

After 484 days in captivity, Siegel was released from Gaza along with Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas.

Militants handed Yarden Bibas and French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon to Red Cross officials in the southern city of Khan Younis, while American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel, looking pale and thin, was released to the Red Cross later Saturday morning in Gaza City to the north.

Hamas on Saturday released two out of three Israeli hostages as part of the fourth exchange under the ceasefire deal, ahead of the expected release of 183 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.