Trump Can Secure Release of Hostages in Gaza, Ex-Hostage Urges

Keith Siegel, a key voice in the ongoing hostage crisis, urges Trump to utilize his influence in negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

In a recent interview, Keith Siegel, a 66-year-old American Israeli who was kidnapped by Hamas, shared his belief that U.S. President Donald Trump possesses the power to facilitate the release of the remaining hostages and help end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Siegel was captured during the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, but was freed earlier this year following a ceasefire agreement that Trump had a hand in negotiating.

Siegel's wife, Aviva, was also a hostage but was released 51 days after her capture. Ahead of a vital meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump, Siegel expressed gratitude to the former president for aiding in his release, and he urged Trump to leverage his considerable strength and influence to push both Israel and Hamas toward an agreement.

"I believe he has a lot of strength, power and ability to put pressure on those that need to be pressured, on both sides in order to get the agreement, get the deal signed, and get all of hostages back and bring it into the war," Siegel stated during the interview conducted in Tel Aviv.

Hopes are pinned on a new ceasefire and hostage release deal being negotiated this week, yet significant challenges remain between Israel and Hamas. Following the resumption of indirect talks in Qatar, which lasted three hours without resolution, the situation remains precarious.

Netanyahu, en route to Washington, expressed optimism that his meeting with Trump could be instrumental in moving toward the desired agreement. The proposed plan reportedly involves the release of ten living hostages alongside the bodies of 18 deceased hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Hamas recently communicated a positive response but requested modifications to ensure that hostilities would not resume if the talks failed—an idea Netanyahu has previously dismissed.

In sharing the painful details of his time in captivity, Siegel spoke of the brutal treatment he endured at the hands of Hamas members. He revealed that he was moved through various locations in Gaza, sometimes even in daylight, and continued to be deeply affected by traumatic experiences, including witnessing the torture of fellow prisoners.

When asked if he would support a hostage deal that allowed Hamas to remain in power, Siegel acknowledged the urgency of securing the release of the remaining 50 hostages, while condemning Hamas for perpetuating violence on both sides.

The ongoing conflict has seen devastating tolls, with Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry estimating over 57,000 fatalities since Israel launched military operations in response to the October attacks, which killed around 1,200 Israelis and led to numerous kidnappings.

Reflecting on the broader consequences of the crisis, Siegel emphasized the importance of ensuring peace and security for everyone involved, asserting that innocent lives must be protected. He reiterated, "I believe that peace and security for all people and freedom... are basic human rights that every person deserves.”