Hamas Hostage Calls on Trump to Secure Release of Remaining Captives in Gaza

In a recent interview, released hostage Keith Siegel emphasized the vital role President Trump could play in negotiating the release of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, following his own escape after 484 days in captivity.

Keith Siegel, an American-Israeli man once held captive by Hamas, recently spoke with the BBC, asserting that U.S. President Donald Trump has the potential to secure the release of remaining hostages in Gaza and bring about a cessation of hostilities. Siegel, who was a hostage from October 7, 2023, until his release earlier this February, attributed his own freedom to a ceasefire agreement that Trump had successfully mediated just as he took office.

In this revealing interview conducted in Tel Aviv, Siegel expressed gratitude to Trump for his release and stated that the President could negotiate the release of approximately 50 hostages, with about 20 still presumed alive. He expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to exert necessary pressure on both Israeli and Palestinian leadership to finalize a peace agreement.

Ahead of a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump in Washington D.C., Siegel highlighted that there is hope for new discussions around a ceasefire, despite ongoing challenges in negotiations. Recent indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Qatar concluded without progress, raising concerns about the possibility of a breakthrough.

Netanyahu, visiting the U.S., underscored how his discussions with Trump could significantly influence the situation. The proposed strategy may involve the gradual release of hostages in exchange for Palestinians detained in Israel, although Hamas has demanded certain guarantees regarding cessation of hostilities.

Siegel recounted harrowing details of his time under Hamas control, revealing instances of torture and abuse, and emphasized that while the immediate priority is the return of hostages, there should be accountability for Hamas's actions and a decrease in violence. He believes ensuring safety and security for all people should be the primary responsibility of leadership, as the ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties on both sides.

With Gaza's health ministry reporting staggering death tolls due to the ongoing conflict, Siegel urged that any humanitarian crisis impacting innocent civilians must be addressed, stating that peace and freedom for all should be a universal right.

Trump's potential involvement in this crisis continues to be closely monitored as efforts for a ceasefire gain urgency in the tumultuous region.