Ex-Hamas Hostage Calls on Trump to Secure Remaining Captives’ Release

After being released from over a year of captivity in Gaza, Keith Siegel appeals to President Trump for intervention to secure the return of the remaining hostages. He emphasizes the urgency of their release and the need for peace while expressing concern for the ongoing violence affecting both Israeli and Palestinian lives.

An American Israeli man who endured 484 days in Hamas captivity, Keith Siegel, is urging former President Donald Trump to leverage his influence to secure the release of remaining hostages, including up to 20 still believed to be alive. Siegel was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, and was freed under a ceasefire agreement that Trump helped orchestrate prior to taking office.

In a recent interview from Tel Aviv, Siegel expressed gratitude for his release and confidence that the ex-president could facilitate a similar outcome for the hostages still held captive. He stated, "He has a lot of strength, power and ability to put pressure on those that need to be pressured." He made these comments ahead of an important meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump in Washington.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have resumed in Qatar but reportedly reached an impasse after three hours. While Trump indicated optimism for reaching a new ceasefire and hostage release deal, significant divides appear to linger between the parties involved.

Siegel's wife, Aviva, was also taken hostage and spent 51 days in captivity. He vividly recounted the brutality faced during his ordeal, including violence at the hands of Hamas members and the profound emotional scars left by witnessing the suffering of others. Despite his anguish, Siegel remains adamant about the urgency of securing the hostages' return, stating, "It's of the highest priority and urgency to get all of the 50 hostages back as soon as possible."

Nevertheless, he expressed reservations about allowing Hamas to maintain power, asserting that the terror organization should be held accountable for violence on both sides of the conflict. Statistics from Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry allege that over 57,000 people have died since the onset of Israeli military actions following the October attacks.

As he advocates for the remaining hostages, Siegel also reflects on the plight of Gazans, underlining that peace and security are fundamental human rights that should be afforded to every individual. He concluded, "Any innocent person that is hurt or killed or murdered is something that I hope... will not happen."