Keith Siegel, a former hostage of Hamas, believes that Donald Trump has the necessary influence to negotiate the release of remaining captives still held in Gaza, highlighting the urgency of bringing all hostages home.
Hamas Hostage Urges Trump to Secure Release of Remaining Captives in Gaza
Hamas Hostage Urges Trump to Secure Release of Remaining Captives in Gaza
An American-Israeli man released after 484 days of captivity calls on former President Trump to leverage his influence for peace.
As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict persists, released hostage Keith Siegel has articulated his hope that former President Trump can use his power to facilitate negotiations for the release of remaining hostages in Gaza. Recently interviewed in Tel Aviv, 66-year-old Siegel was taken captive from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and was eventually freed this February after a ceasefire agreement orchestrated by Trump shortly before his departure from office.
Siegel, who had suffered alongside his wife Aviva — released after 51 days — expressed gratitude towards Trump for his role in securing his freedom and underscored the potential for the former president to advocate for the release of the approximately 50 remaining hostages, a significant portion of whom may still be alive.
In anticipation of a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump, Siegel articulated confidence in Trump's capability to exert diplomatic pressure to resolve the ongoing conflict and achieve hostages’ return. "He has a lot of strength, power and ability to put pressure on those that need to be pressured," Siegel noted.
Despite recent talks in Qatar aimed at negotiating a ceasefire and addressing hostage situations, a Palestinian official indicated that no agreement had been reached, reflecting lingering challenges between Israel and Hamas. The proposed plan includes a staggered release of living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. However, differing demands and concerns over the continuation of hostilities have hindered progress.
Siegel shared haunting memories from his imprisonment, revealing that he was subjected to both physical and psychological torture. He recounted being moved to numerous locations throughout Gaza, often exposed to daylight. Acknowledging the tragic impact of the conflict on both Israelis and Palestinians, he emphasized the need for safety and peace for all, asserting that every individual deserves basic human rights.
While advocating for the swift return of the remaining hostages, Siegel is also deeply cognizant of the humanitarian crises afflicting Gaza’s population as a result of the ongoing violence. He expressed a fervent wish for future peace and security for all. "Any innocent person that is hurt or killed or murdered is something that I hope or I dream will not happen," he concluded.
As the world watches, the urgent plea from a former hostage calls attention to the complexities of negotiation and peace in a region fraught with tension and suffering.
Siegel, who had suffered alongside his wife Aviva — released after 51 days — expressed gratitude towards Trump for his role in securing his freedom and underscored the potential for the former president to advocate for the release of the approximately 50 remaining hostages, a significant portion of whom may still be alive.
In anticipation of a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump, Siegel articulated confidence in Trump's capability to exert diplomatic pressure to resolve the ongoing conflict and achieve hostages’ return. "He has a lot of strength, power and ability to put pressure on those that need to be pressured," Siegel noted.
Despite recent talks in Qatar aimed at negotiating a ceasefire and addressing hostage situations, a Palestinian official indicated that no agreement had been reached, reflecting lingering challenges between Israel and Hamas. The proposed plan includes a staggered release of living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. However, differing demands and concerns over the continuation of hostilities have hindered progress.
Siegel shared haunting memories from his imprisonment, revealing that he was subjected to both physical and psychological torture. He recounted being moved to numerous locations throughout Gaza, often exposed to daylight. Acknowledging the tragic impact of the conflict on both Israelis and Palestinians, he emphasized the need for safety and peace for all, asserting that every individual deserves basic human rights.
While advocating for the swift return of the remaining hostages, Siegel is also deeply cognizant of the humanitarian crises afflicting Gaza’s population as a result of the ongoing violence. He expressed a fervent wish for future peace and security for all. "Any innocent person that is hurt or killed or murdered is something that I hope or I dream will not happen," he concluded.
As the world watches, the urgent plea from a former hostage calls attention to the complexities of negotiation and peace in a region fraught with tension and suffering.
