Ex-Hostage Urges Trump to Secure Release of Remaining Gaza Hostages

In a heartfelt appeal, former hostage Keith Siegel has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to leverage his influence to secure the release of remaining hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. Siegel, who was released in February 2025 after 484 days of captivity, expressed his belief that Trump possesses the necessary authority to negotiate a new ceasefire and facilitate the return of approximately 50 hostages, 20 of whom are reportedly still alive.

Siegel, 66, was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the Hamas-led assaults on Israel on October 7, 2023. His release came as part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by Trump shortly before he assumed office. In an interview conducted in Tel Aviv, Siegel expressed gratitude towards Trump for his role in his own release and emphasized the urgency of negotiating the release of the remaining captives. "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," Siegel stated.

As discussions continue, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House, where they aim to advance negotiations for a new ceasefire. Recent talks in Qatar between Hamas and Israeli officials ended without a breakthrough, highlighting the complexities of the ongoing situation. Netanyahu has indicated that he believes this meeting could expedite the efforts to secure a resolution that benefits all parties involved.

The negotiations include a proposal for the staggered release of 10 living hostages and the return of 18 deceased individuals in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli facilities. Hamas has reportedly given a "positive response" to the proposal; however, Palestinian officials indicated that they seek guarantees to prevent the resumption of hostilities should negotiations falter.

Siegel's account of his captivity sheds light on the harsh realities faced by hostages. He described instances of physical abuse and psychological torment, stating, "Hamas operatives had moved me through the streets of Gaza, sometimes in daylight, to 33 different locations during the course of my captivity." His experiences underscore the pressing need for a resolution that not only addresses the plight of hostages but also considers the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 57,000 lives have been lost since the onset of the conflict, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

Siegel emphasizes that all individuals, regardless of their background, deserve peace and security. "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," he remarked, highlighting the shared humanity that must guide negotiations moving forward.

As the situation in Gaza remains precarious, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that alleviates suffering for both hostages and the Gazan population. Trump's involvement may prove pivotal in shaping the outcome of these discussions, with implications that extend beyond the immediate context of hostage negotiations.