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.
Former Hostage Urges Trump to Act on Remaining Captives in Gaza
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.
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.
