France, Jan. 31 -- The Israeli military said on Saturday three hostages freed by Hamas were now in the custody of its forces in the Gaza Strip, including French-Israeli national Ofer Kalderon.

"The returning hostages have just been transferred to IDF (military) and ISA (internal security) forces in the Gaza Strip," the military said, referring to Israeli Yarden Bibas and French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon who were freed by the Palestinian militants in the southern city of Khan Yunis. The Israeli American Keith Siegel was also released.

French President Emmanuel Macron said in a reaction that he shares 'joy' of Kalderon's release after 'unimaginable hell.'

Kalderon, 54, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the 7 October attacks along with...