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Middle East live updates: Siegel's family thanks Trump 'for bringing our father back'

Thirty-three hostages are set to be released in the ceasefire's first phase.

Last Updated: February 1, 2025, 1:26 PM EST

Many residents of northern Gaza and southern Lebanon are expected to return to their homes in the coming days and weeks, with most of the fighting in both areas paused under Israeli ceasefire agreements with Hamas and Hezbollah.

Under Israel's multi-phased deal with Hamas, some hostages held in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have started to be released. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are expected to continue amid the first phase of the deal, which was slated to last about six weeks.

Feb 01, 2025, 1:26 PM EST

15,000 displaced from Jenin camp, mayor says

As the Israeli military operation in Jenin continues, the mayor of the Palestinian city says 15,000 people have been displaced in Jenin camp so far. At least 100 homes have been destroyed and Israel has destroyed water lines to four hospitals, according to the mayor.

The Israel Defense Forces said it continues to disperse "celebratory gatherings and riots" in reaction to the release of Palestinian prisoners as a result of the ceasefire deal.

-ABC News' Nasser Atta

Feb 01, 2025, 11:30 AM EST

Family of released Israeli hostage celebrates his return

The family of freed Israeli hostage Yarden Bibas said his release has made a "quarter of their heart returned" after 15 months.

"There are no words to describe the relief of holding Yarden in our hands, embracing him, and hearing his voice," his family said in a statement.

Yarden Bibas is reunited with his parents, on Feb. 1, 2025.
IDF

"Yarden is a father who left his safe room to protect his family, bravely survived captivity, and returned to an unbearable reality. At this time, we ask: Protect Yarden, Protect his soul. Please respect his privacy and give him the space he needs so that his body and soul can begin to recover," the family said.

Feb 01, 2025, 8:44 AM EST

ICRC transfers 3 hostages, 175 Palestinian detainees

The International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent completed the transfer of three Israeli hostages and 175 Palestinian detainees in the fourth phase of exchanges.

“As more families anxiously await news of their loved ones, the ICRC continues to call for the continued implementation of the agreement to allow more families to be reunited. The ICRC remains prepared to facilitate further release operations in the coming weeks, and to continue to bring critically needed aid into Gaza,” the ICRC said in a statement.

In this photo released by the Israeli government press office (GPO), Ofer Kalderon is reunited with his children at Sheba hospital in Ramat Gan, Feb 1, 2025.
GPO

Feb 01, 2025, 7:35 AM EST

Allegations of abuse emerge as Israel releases 183 Palestinian prisoners

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, an advocacy group representing both former and current Israeli-held Palestinian detainees, said those who were released Saturday as part of the deal were severely beaten before their release and that some sustained fractures to their ribs.

When asked for comment on the allegations, the Israel Prison Service told ABC News: “The Prison Service is an organization that is part of the security organizations and operates in accordance with the law, under the strict supervision of numerous official visitors. All prisoners are held in accordance with the law, while ensuring their basic rights and under the supervision of a professional and trained staff of guards. We are not familiar with the events described and, as far as we know, no such events have occurred in IPS facilities. However, every prisoner or detainee has the opportunity to submit their claims in designated places and there they will be examined.”

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