Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrated Yarden Bibas’ return on Saturday, while emphasizing his nation’s thoughts are with Bibas’ wife Shiri and their two young children Ariel and Kfir, who remain in Gaza.
Bibas was freed alongside American-Israeli Keith Siegel and French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon as part of phase one of Israel and Hamas’ ongoing ceasefire deal. The hostages were released in the fourth round of hostage releases since October 7th, when Bibas was kidnapped.
Netanyahu wrote on X that “our thoughts are now with Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, and all of our abductees.” Israeli President Isaac Herzog also commented on Yarden’s release, calling it “heartbreaking.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum vowed to continue demanding the release of Bibas’ wife and two sons. Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said that “we cannot and will not forget for a moment… the 79 hostages that remain in Hamas captivity.”
A total of 6 American citizens remain in Gaza, only 2 believed alive. President Trump’s administration worked to secure Siegel’s release, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said “let us celebrate for the families who are finally reunited.”
Shiri Bibas’ family expressed relief at Yarden’s return home but noted that “a quarter of our heart has returned to us after 15 long months.” The Bibas children have spent over two years in captivity, marking their birthdays only once.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/father-hamas-youngest-hostages-released-his-family-remains-hamas-captivity