“Unprecedented Exchange: American Citizen and 2 Israelis Released in Third Swap with Hamas Under Ceasefire Agreement”
Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement that came into effect on January 19, Israel was set to release approximately 90 more Palestinian prisoners on Saturday in exchange for the freedom of three hostages. The first American to be released during this new ceasefire is Keith Siegel, who originally hails from North Carolina and moved to Israel forty years ago. Siegel was one of seven American citizens taken hostage in Gaza during a terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people in southern Israel and the capture of 251 others. The subsequent Israeli military response to Hamas has led to more than 47,400 casualties, widespread destruction, and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
It is reported that two of the remaining six American hostages held in Gaza, Sagui Dekel-Chen, 35, and Edan Alexander, 19, are believed to be alive, while four others are feared to have been killed. Aviva Siegel, Keith’s wife, was also kidnapped during the October 7 incident but was previously released during a hostage swap in November 2023. Aviva Siegel recalled the harrowing experience of being forced through tunnels in Gaza with her husband, fearing for their lives.
Yarden Bibas, whose wife Shiri and two young children were kidnapped during the attack, faced the tragic news that Hamas claimed they were killed in an Israeli bombing. The fate of the Bibas family remained uncertain, with authorities acknowledging that they knew the circumstances but could not disclose further details. Ofer Kalderon, another hostage since the 2023 attack, was recently freed by Hamas as part of the ceasefire agreement, along with other hostages.
The ceasefire and hostage exchange have seen the release of Israeli hostages, with 18 out of 33 expected to be freed in the initial six-week phase, as of Saturday. For each Israeli hostage returned, a significant number of Palestinian prisoners have been released from Israeli detention. The first phase of the agreement aimed to secure the release of Israeli women, children, and male hostages over 50, along with the provision of increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.
From certain areas of the territory, negotiations are set to commence on Monday – the 16th day of the ceasefire – to outline the steps for the second phase, as detailed in a document provided to CBS News by a senior Hamas official. The delicate agreement encountered moments of tension, notably when captive Arbel Yehoud wasn’t released as Israel had stipulated during one of the initial exchanges. However, swift discussions resulted in a resolution, leading to Yehoud’s release during the third exchange on Thursday, organized by Gaza militants.
Israeli analyst and former hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin expressed concerns about prolonged negotiations, stating, “Any deal that takes two or three months to end a war is a bad deal.” He emphasized the potential for the agreement to derail at any point, with either party accusing the other of breaches. As phase one approaches its 42-day mark, Baskin noted mutual accusations of breach and stated that both sides are keen on seeing it through.
Anticipating the forthcoming negotiations for the second phase, Baskin highlighted the stark differences between the Israeli and Hamas positions. The Israeli stance, as per Baskin, is against ending the war or withdrawing from Gaza, while Hamas insists on these conditions for any agreement. The role of the new Trump administration in the U.S. was deemed crucial by Baskin in shaping the negotiation dynamics.
Baskin predicted that President Trump’s stance would heavily influence the outcomes, suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s actions would align with Trump’s decisions. Baskin warned of potential provocations by Israel to trigger ceasefire breaches by Hamas, potentially leading to a resumption of hostilities. Ultimately, Trump’s response would dictate the course of action, either allowing a return to conflict or pushing the negotiations into the second phase.
