Former Hostage Urges Trump to Act on Remaining Captives in Gaza

Thu Jul 10 2025 05:45:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Former Hostage Urges Trump to Act on Remaining Captives in Gaza

Keith Siegel, a recently freed Hamas hostage, appeals to Donald Trump to leverage his influence to secure the release of others still held in Gaza.


In an exclusive interview, Keith Siegel, who was released after being held by Hamas for 484 days, expressed confidence that former President Trump could successfully broker a new ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages.


An American-Israeli man, Keith Siegel, who was held captive by Hamas for 484 days, believes that former President Donald Trump possesses the influence necessary to secure the release of remaining hostages in Gaza. Siegel was kidnapped during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and was released in February 2024 as part of a ceasefire agreement that Trump played a pivotal role in negotiating.

In a recent interview from Tel Aviv, Siegel shared his gratitude to Trump for facilitating his release and expressed hope that he could now help bring home the estimated 50 remaining hostages. Of these, around 20 are thought to still be alive. “I truly believe he can apply the right pressure to both parties to finalize an agreement,” Siegel stated.

As Trump prepares for a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expectations are high regarding the potential for a new ceasefire and hostage deal. However, recent indirect talks in Qatar ended without significant progress, amid reports of deep divisions between Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu remains optimistic that his discussions with Trump could lead to meaningful advancements.

A proposed plan reportedly includes the release of 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 deceased captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Although Hamas indicated a positive response to communications, gaps remain, particularly regarding guarantees on the cessation of hostilities.

Reflecting on his time in captivity, Siegel recounted harrowing experiences, including witnessing the torture of fellow captives. He emphasized the urgency of securing the release of hostages while also acknowledging the broader implications of ongoing violence. “It’s critical to free the hostages, yet we must ensure that Hamas no longer poses a threat to others,” he asserted.

Amidst the ongoing crisis, Gaza's health ministry reports over 57,000 casualties due to the conflict, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution. Siegel articulated a vision for universal rights and emphasized the importance of peace for all involved. “Every innocent life lost is a tragedy that we must strive to prevent,” he concluded.

MORE ON THEME

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:58:53 GMT

Russia's Ongoing Military Campaign in Ukraine Faces Staggering Resistance and Slow Gains**

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:58:53 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:24:01 GMT

### Rubio's Diplomatic Push in Asia Amid Rising Trade Tensions

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:24:01 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:39:45 GMT

**US Imposes Sanctions on UN Rapporteur Francesca Albanese Amid Gaza Criticism**

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:39:45 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:06:45 GMT

**US Sanctions UN Rights Expert for Gaza Critique Amid Ongoing Conflict**

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:06:45 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:05:06 GMT

Houthi Militia Escalates Tensions by Taking Hostage Ship Crew

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:05:06 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:28:48 GMT

Trump's Tariff Threat: A 50% Tax on Brazilian Goods and Demands for Bolsonaro's Legal Resolution

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:28:48 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:26:51 GMT

Russia’s Drone Assault: A New Apex of Conflict in Ukraine

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:26:51 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:54:16 GMT

Rising Tensions: Trump Threatens Brazil with Heavy Tariffs Amid Bolsonaro's Legal Troubles

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:54:16 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:40:01 GMT

**Aftermath of Houthi Attacks: Search Resumes for Missing Crew Members in Red Sea**

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:40:01 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:37:12 GMT

Bipartisan Momentum Builds for Sanctions Against Russia

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:37:12 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:35:34 GMT

Tragic Realities in Gaza: A Surgeon’s Perspective

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:35:34 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:02:37 GMT

Escalation at the Lebanese Border: Israel's Ground Operations Raise Concerns

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:02:37 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:46:13 GMT

Moscow Responds to Trump's Frustration: A Tense Diplomatic Landscape

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:46:13 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:13:09 GMT

**Trump's Tariff Promises Fade as Global Trade Tensions Rise**

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:13:09 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:07:32 GMT

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin Intensifies Offensive Despite U.S. Pressure

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:07:32 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:31:37 GMT

Israel Resumes Ground Operations in Southern Lebanon Amid Tense Cease-Fire

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:31:37 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:58:16 GMT

### Ukraine Endures Record Night of Russian Drone Assault as Trump Reverses Arms Policy

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:58:16 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:25:54 GMT

Trump Postpones Tariff Implementation Amidst Global Trade Tensions**

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:25:54 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:23:58 GMT

Stalemate in Gaza Ceasefire Talks Despite Netanyahu-Trump Engagement

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:23:58 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 10:44:17 GMT

### Ukraine Faces Unprecedented Missile Assault Following Trump's Criticism of Putin

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 10:44:17 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.