NEW YORK (AP/1010 WINS) -- An American Israeli is among three male hostages held in the Gaza Strip who will be released Saturday in the fourth round of exchanges in the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Keith Siegel, 65, who is originally from North Carolina, will be released, as will Yarden Bibas, 35, and Ofer Kalderon, 54, according to Israeli officials and Hamas. Siegel is the first American to be released as part of the current ceasefire deal.
The Hostages Families Forum said Friday it “welcomes the joyous news.”
“We have both the sacred duty and moral right to bring all our brothers and sisters home,” they said. “We will not give up or stop at any stage until all hostages return home, down to the last one.”
Siegel's wife, Aviva Siegel, was also held hostage by Hamas and released in November 2023.
Israeli officials say around 80 hostages remain in Gaza, including three taken captive before Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack. During the first phase of the ceasefire deal, 33 hostages are set to be released.
On Thursday, Hamas released eight hostages in exchange for 110 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
The chaotic sight of armed fighters escorting Israeli hostages through a crowd of thousands of onlookers caused Israeli leaders to briefly delay the release of the Palestinian prisoners, underscoring the fragility of the current truce.
1010 WINS contributed to this report.