The family of Israeli hostage Yarden Bibas expressed relief after his release along with two other hostages by Hamas. However, they said that the home remains incomplete as Shiri, his wife, and their children Ariel, 5, and Kfir, 2, are still unaccounted for. The Bibas family stated, “A quarter of our heart has returned to us after 15 long months.” Yarden was released from a military facility in Israel where he reunited with his father and sister.
Hamas has been releasing Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli prisons and detention as part of a ceasefire agreement. Since January 13, more than 100 hostages have been freed, including dual nationals and five Thais. The release of Yarden Bibas brings the total to at least 20 hostages who have been set free.
Despite the release of several hostages, concerns remain over the fate of Shiri and her children. Hamas had previously claimed that they were killed in an Israeli airstrike, but Israeli officials have not confirmed this. The family has urged the public to continue making their voices heard for their safe return.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-hostages-release-brings-some-relief-family-fate-wife-children-unknown-2025-02-01