After over 15 agonizing months, Yarden Bibas has been reunited with his family in Israel. His release from Hamas captivity marks a moment of both relief and profound worry, as his wife, Shiri, and their two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, remain hostages in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has expressed serious concerns about their well-being.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Bibas's return while emphasizing the nation's unwavering focus on the remaining captive family members. "Our hearts are with Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, and all those still held," he stated on social media. "We are committed to bringing every single person home."

The Bibas family (from left): Yarden, Ariel, Shiri, and Kfir. (Credit: Ofri Bibas Levy)

President Isaac Herzog echoed these sentiments, describing Yarden's homecoming as "heartwrenching" given the continued absence of his wife and children. The entire nation shares the family's anguish and prays for their safe return.

Yarden's release came alongside American-Israeli Keith Siegel and French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon, marking the fourth round of hostage releases under the initial phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. The IDF reiterated its commitment to securing the release of all remaining hostages, emphasizing that 79 individuals are still held captive.

Yarden Bibas with his sister and father en route to the hospital after his release. The sign expresses his gratitude to the people of Israel for their support. (Credit: IDF)

Siegel's release was met with celebration in the United States, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirming the administration's dedication to freeing all remaining hostages. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, Siegel's home state, also expressed joy at his return.

Unlike previous hostage releases, which were marked by chaotic scenes, this transfer was conducted more discreetly, likely in response to Netanyahu's insistence on ensuring the hostages' safe passage. While held captive, Bibas was coerced into appearing in a propaganda video, a tactic the IDF denounces as psychological warfare. Despite this, Hamas included Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel on the list of hostages slated for release in the first phase of the ceasefire.

The three released hostages: Yarden Bibas, Keith Siegel, and Ofer Kalderon. (Credit: The Hostages and Missing Families Forum)

The Bibas family's plight has become a poignant symbol of the October 7 attacks. Images of Shiri with her two young children have circulated globally, with supporters often using the color orange to represent the children's red hair. Kfir, now two, has spent both of his birthdays in captivity. Ariel is now five.

Seventy-nine hostages remain in Gaza, including 35 who are confirmed dead but whose bodies have not been returned. Siegel's release marks the first of an Israeli-American hostage. Six American citizens are still held, with only two believed to be alive.