Keith Siegel, a former hostage of Hamas, has called on President Trump to use his influence to facilitate the release of remaining hostages and bring an end to the ongoing violence in Gaza.
**Trump Urged to Leverage Power for Hostage Release in Gaza Conflict**
**Trump Urged to Leverage Power for Hostage Release in Gaza Conflict**
An ex-hostage believes the U.S. President can mediate a ceasefire and secure freedom for captives.
In an emotional appeal, Keith Siegel, a 66-year-old American Israeli, urged President Donald Trump to exert pressure on both Israel and Hamas to achieve a peace agreement that would allow the release of the hostages still in captivity. Siegel was taken during the fierce Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and spent 484 days in captivity before he was freed earlier this year through a ceasefire agreement that Trump was instrumental in negotiating. His wife Aviva, who was also captured, spent 51 days as a hostage.
Ahead of a crucial meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump, Siegel expressed gratitude for his own release and optimism that Trump can replicate this success for the remaining hostages, who number around 50, with expectations that approximately 20 are alive.
“I believe he has a lot of strength, power, and ability to put pressure on both sides to get an agreement signed and bring the hostages home, as well as conclude the war,” Siegel stated. As negotiations continue, Trump has indicated that he hopes a new ceasefire deal can be reached, although substantive differences still exist between Israel and Hamas.
The rekindled talks in Qatar that took place Sunday night reportedly ended without a resolution, with both parties facing ongoing hurdles. Netanyahu expressed confidence that his discussions with Trump could potentially propel the negotiations forward, with a proposal being discussed that involves the phased release of 10 living hostages alongside the remains of 18 deceased captives, in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli facilities.
Despite signs of progress, Hamas has conditionally agreed to the framework but demanded changes, including assurances from the U.S. to prevent future hostilities if negotiations fail—an idea Netanyahu has dismissed.
In his reflections, Siegel shared the harrowing experiences he endured in captivity, detailing incidents of abuse he suffered and the trauma experienced by fellow captives. He conveyed an urgent desire to see all remaining hostages rescued, while also acknowledging the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“Peace and security for all people and freedom are basic human rights that every person deserves,” said Siegel, highlighting the responsibility of leaders on all sides to work towards a solution that mitigates suffering in both Israel and Gaza. He expressed hope that unnecessary loss of innocent lives could be prevented by renewed diplomatic efforts, underscoring the critical balance between immediate actions and long-term peace strategies.
Ahead of a crucial meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump, Siegel expressed gratitude for his own release and optimism that Trump can replicate this success for the remaining hostages, who number around 50, with expectations that approximately 20 are alive.
“I believe he has a lot of strength, power, and ability to put pressure on both sides to get an agreement signed and bring the hostages home, as well as conclude the war,” Siegel stated. As negotiations continue, Trump has indicated that he hopes a new ceasefire deal can be reached, although substantive differences still exist between Israel and Hamas.
The rekindled talks in Qatar that took place Sunday night reportedly ended without a resolution, with both parties facing ongoing hurdles. Netanyahu expressed confidence that his discussions with Trump could potentially propel the negotiations forward, with a proposal being discussed that involves the phased release of 10 living hostages alongside the remains of 18 deceased captives, in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli facilities.
Despite signs of progress, Hamas has conditionally agreed to the framework but demanded changes, including assurances from the U.S. to prevent future hostilities if negotiations fail—an idea Netanyahu has dismissed.
In his reflections, Siegel shared the harrowing experiences he endured in captivity, detailing incidents of abuse he suffered and the trauma experienced by fellow captives. He conveyed an urgent desire to see all remaining hostages rescued, while also acknowledging the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“Peace and security for all people and freedom are basic human rights that every person deserves,” said Siegel, highlighting the responsibility of leaders on all sides to work towards a solution that mitigates suffering in both Israel and Gaza. He expressed hope that unnecessary loss of innocent lives could be prevented by renewed diplomatic efforts, underscoring the critical balance between immediate actions and long-term peace strategies.
