French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday that French-Israeli citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi are among the initial group of hostages set to be released by Hamas following a ceasefire with Israel.
Macron’s statement came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office revealed that the release of hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel is expected to begin on Sunday.
“Our fellow citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi are on the list of 33 hostages to be freed in the first phase of the Gaza accord,” Macron wrote on social media. “We remain mobilised without pause to ensure their return to their families.”
Ohad Yahalomi, who turned 50 during his captivity, was abducted from his home in the Nir Oz kibbutz. His 12-year-old son was also kidnapped but was released in November 2023 during a previous truce.
Ofer Kalderon, 54, was taken alongside his son and daughter, also from Nir Oz kibbutz. The children were among those freed during the November truce.
Macron is set to meet with the families of Kalderon and Yahalomi in the coming days, according to his office.
The French government has reiterated its commitment to supporting its citizens and ensuring their safe return.
