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A dual American-Israeli citizen, formerly held captive by Hamas, has stated to the BBC that former U.S. President Donald Trump possesses the influence to secure the release of remaining hostages and bring an end to the conflict in Gaza.
Keith Siegel, 66, was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. He was freed this past February after 484 days in captivity, following a ceasefire agreement that Trump played a role in facilitating prior to leaving office.
He was taken along with his wife, Aviva, who was held for 51 days before being freed during an earlier ceasefire.
Mr. Siegel’s remarks precede a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump scheduled for Monday evening at the White House.
In an interview conducted in Tel Aviv, he expressed gratitude to Trump for securing his own release, suggesting the former president could now replicate this success for the approximately 50 hostages still held, of whom up to 20 are believed to be alive.
“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 an end to the war,” he said.
While Trump has expressed hope for a new ceasefire and hostage release agreement this week, significant disagreements between Israel and Hamas reportedly remain.
Indirect negotiations between the two sides resumed in Qatar on Sunday evening but concluded after three hours without a breakthrough, according to a Palestinian official.
Prior to his departure for Washington D.C., Netanyahu indicated his belief that his meeting with Trump could “definitely help advance that result we are all hoping for.”
The proposed plan is believed to involve a phased release of 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 deceased hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
Hamas stated on Friday that it had provided a “positive response” to the proposal. However, a Palestinian official indicated that several modifications were requested, including a U.S. guarantee that hostilities would not resume if negotiations for a complete end to the war failed – a condition previously rejected by Netanyahu.
Mr. Siegel recounted in detail the abuse he suffered at the hands of Hamas members, stating he remains haunted by the torture of a female captive he witnessed.
He stated that Hamas operatives moved him through the streets of Gaza, sometimes in daylight, to 33 different locations during his captivity.
When asked whether he would support a deal which released the hostages but saw Hamas remain in power in Gaza, he replied: “It’s of the highest priority and urgency to get all of the 50 hostages back as soon as possible.”
But he continued: “We cannot let Hamas continue to threaten people and to kill and murder people, and I think Hamas is responsible for death on both sides.”
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, over 57,000 people have been killed in the territory since Israel initiated military operations in response to the October 7 attacks, in which approximately 1,200 individuals were killed in Israel and 251 others taken hostage.
When questioned about whether his thoughts extend to the suffering of the Gazan population as he continues to advocate for the release of the remaining hostages, Mr. Siegel responded:
“I believe that peace and security for all people and freedom… are basic human rights that every person deserves,” he said.
“I think it’s the responsibility of all leadership to ensure that that happens. Any innocent person that is hurt or killed or murdered is something that I hope or I dream will not happen.”
The Israeli military says the strikes were a response to attacks by the Houthis, who later launched two missiles towards Israel and the occupied West Bank.
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After Monday’s attack, family members told the BBC of their shock at the scale of civilian casualties.
The officer says Israeli strikes have devastated the group’s leadership and structure, and that armed clans are filling the void.
Benjamin Netanyahu says Hamas is seeking changes to a proposal for a ceasefire deal that Israel has accepted.
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