Released Hostage Urges Trump To Free Remaining Captives
Keith Siegel, an American Israeli held hostage by Hamas for 484 days, has publicly stated that US President Donald Trump has the power to secure the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza and bring an end to the ongoing war. Siegel was kidnapped during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and freed in February under a ceasefire deal brokered by Trump shortly before he took office. Speaking from Tel Aviv ahead of a White House meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Siegel emphasized Trump’s unique influence in pressuring both sides to reach a hostage release and ceasefire agreement.
Trump’s Role In Ceasefire And Hostage Negotiations
President Trump has expressed hope that a new ceasefire and hostage release deal will be finalized soon, though significant gaps remain between Israel and Hamas. Recent indirect talks in Qatar lasted three hours but ended without a breakthrough, according to Palestinian officials. The proposed plan reportedly involves a staggered release of 10 living hostages and the return of 18 deceased hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Hamas has delivered a “positive response” but requested US guarantees that hostilities will not resume if negotiations fail—an offer rejected by Netanyahu. Netanyahu believes his meeting with Trump can help advance a resolution.
Hostage Experience Highlights Urgency Of Release
Siegel detailed the brutal treatment he endured during captivity, including beatings and being moved to 33 different locations across Gaza, sometimes in daylight. He also recounted witnessing the torture of a female captive, which haunts him to this day. Despite the trauma, Siegel insists that freeing all 50 remaining hostages, around 20 of whom are believed still alive, remains the highest priority. He cautioned against allowing Hamas to continue threatening and killing civilians, stating that “Hamas is responsible for death on both sides, ” underscoring the complexity of the conflict.
Humanitarian Toll And Broader Peace Concerns
The humanitarian cost of the conflict is staggering. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports over 57, 000 deaths since Israel’s military response began, while Israel lost about 1, 200 people and 251 hostages were taken during the initial attacks. Siegel acknowledged the suffering of civilians on both sides and stressed that peace, security, and freedom are basic human rights for all people. He called on leadership on all sides to ensure these rights are protected and expressed hope that no more innocent lives will be lost. ## Trump’s Influence Could Be Decisive In Ending Conflict. Siegel’s testimonial adds weight to the narrative that President Trump’s involvement is critical in navigating the deadlock between Israel and Hamas. Given his previous success in helping secure Siegel’s release and the ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, Trump’s role may be pivotal in leveraging pressure to finalize a deal. With about 20 hostages believed alive and over 50 still captive, the stakes remain high. As Netanyahu and Trump meet in Washington, the world watches closely, hopeful that a breakthrough will come to end the war and reunite families torn apart by this crisis.
