The Palestinian militant group Hamas has released a chilling video of American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel alongside Israeli captive Omri Miran, sparking urgent calls for their release. The video, undated and released on Hamas’s social media channels, marks the first public appearance of Siegel since his abduction from his home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7.
In the harrowing footage, Siegel appears to be speaking under duress, imploring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to broker a hostage release deal with Hamas. “Keith, I love you, we will fight until you return,” said his wife Aviva, addressing her husband through a response video by the Hostages Families Forum Headquarters.
The family’s reaction underscores the emotional toll as Ilan, Siegel’s daughter, demands that Israeli leaders take immediate action: “I demand that the leaders of this country watch this video and see [our] father crying out for help.”
The release of the video coincides with a statement from the hostage forum, which declared this proof of life as “the clearest evidence that the Israeli government must do everything to approve a deal for the return of all the hostages before Independence Day.” They urge for both the rehabilitation of the living and a dignified burial for the deceased.
Omri Miran, seen alongside Siegel, was kidnapped in a separate incident when Hamas gunmen broke into his home at Nahal Oz Kibbutz, an attack his family survived. The video suggests it was recorded recently, as Miran mentions not being able to celebrate Passover and stating he has been captive for 202 days.
The international response is gaining momentum, with Egyptian officials confirming their involvement in aiding the stalled negotiations aimed at the hostages’ release and implementing a ceasefire in Gaza.
As the Hostages and Missing Families Forum emphasizes the urgency for action, the Israeli government remains silent on the matter, with the Prime Minister’s Office declining to comment. Meanwhile, the American side is also vigilant, with a U.S. official confirming to CBS News that the FBI is examining the video and the White House stating they did not receive prior notice of its release.
Relevant articles:
– American-Israeli hostage appears in Hamas video for first time , edition.cnn.com, 04/28/2024
– Hamas releases video of two hostages including American Israeli, TODAY, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 12:52:18 GMT
– Keith Siegel: American-Israeli hostage appears in Hamas video for first time, CNN, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 18:21:00 GMT
– Hamas releases propaganda video of two hostages, including a kidnapped American citizen, CBS News, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:46:42 GMT
– Israel-Gaza live updates: Hamas to send a delegation to Cairo for hostage and cease-fire negotiations, ABC News, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 17:22:26 GMT