Yarden Bibas’s family says he ‘lost significant weight’ in captivity but is in stable condition

2 February 2025, 10:45 pm

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Yarden Bibas embraces his mother, Pnina, at the Sheba Medical Center in central Israel on February 1 2025. (Israel Defense Force)

Released hostage Yarden Bibas “lost significant weight” during his time in Hamas captivity, but is “feeling well” and is stable, his family says.

Bibas, 35, was released by Hamas on Saturday morning, along with Ofer Calderon, 54, and Keith Siegel, 65.

His wife Shiri and their two young sons Ariel and Kfir were abducted separately, and Israel has expressed “grave concern” for their fate.

In a statement released via the Hostages Families Forum, Bibas’s family thanks the Israeli public for its support and concern, and for “embracing Yarden from afar.”

“Having Yarden here finally allows us to breathe again. While he has lost significant weight, he is feeling well and his physical condition is stable. He is strong and remarkable,” the family continues.

The fight for Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir will continue unabated, even as Yarden “begins his adjustment and rehabilitation journey,” his family stresses, calling for the release of all the remaining 76 hostages.

The family says it will hold a press conference on Monday evening, but asks that until then, their privacy continue to be respected to “allow us the time and quiet we need.”