Former Hamas Hostage Urges Trump to Secure Remaining Captives

In an interview, ex-Hamas captive Keith Siegel emphasized that President Trump can leverage his influence to secure the return of remaining hostages, as Israel and Hamas navigate a fragile ceasefire.

An American-Israeli man who was previously held hostage by Hamas has voiced strong confidence in former President Donald Trump's capacity to negotiate the release of remaining hostages still in Gaza. Keith Siegel, 66, was taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023, and spent 484 days in captivity before being freed under a ceasefire deal brokered by Trump.

Siegel's wife, Aviva, was captured alongside him but was released earlier after 51 days. Speaking from Tel Aviv, Siegel expressed gratitude towards Trump for facilitating his release and noted he possesses the necessary strength and influence to pressure both sides into an agreement that could see the return of around 50 hostages, with some still reportedly alive.

As talks between Israel and Hamas resumed in Qatar, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to meet with Trump to discuss possible resolutions to the conflict, including ceasing hostilities and securing hostage releases. There remain significant hurdles in reaching a satisfactory deal, with complexities around a proposed staggered release of living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Siegel detailed the traumatic experiences he endured while in captivity, including witnessing acts of violence and being transported through various locations in Gaza. He underscored the priority of securing the hostages' release without giving Hamas the ability to maintain power, attributing much of the violence to the group itself.

The ongoing conflict has escalated mortality rates in Gaza, with reports stating over 57,000 fatalities since Israeli operations began following the initial Hamas assault. Siegel emphasized the necessity of addressing humanitarian concerns for both hostages and civilians caught in the conflict, expressing that peace and security are universal rights that should be pursued by all leaders. As he continues to advocate for the remaining hostages, he hopes for an outcome that doesn't further exacerbate the cycle of violence.