American-Israeli Keith Siegel, 2 other hostages released in Gaza in 3rd exchange of Israel-Hamas ceasefire

American-Israeli dual national Keith Siegel was among three hostages released by Hamas militants in the war-torn Gaza Strip on Saturday, more than 15 months after they were taken captive by the group during its Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack. Siegel was freed in Gaza City about two hours after Israelis Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon were released in the southern city of Khan Younis.

The Israeli military confirmed that all three hostages were in its care and back in Israel after first being handed over to Red Cross personnel in Gaza. Siegel appeared to have lost weight during his captivity, but he waved and smiled as Hamas militants prepared to hand him over to Red Cross staff. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said the three freed men would be reunited with family members and taken for medical checks and care at hospitals in Israel.

Both handovers were conducted quickly Saturday and without the chaos seen during the previous, third prisoner exchange, which angered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who delayed the corresponding Israeli release of Palestinian prisoners by several hours.

Read more: CBS News