Keith Siegel, an American-Israeli dual national, was among three hostages released by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip on Saturday. Siegel, who appeared to have lost weight during his captivity, waved and smiled as he was handed over to Red Cross staff.
The Israeli military confirmed that all three hostages were in its care and had returned to Israel after being handed over to Red Cross personnel in Gaza. The release came just days after the third prisoner exchange, which angered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Under the ceasefire agreement, Hamas is expected to free a total of 33 Israeli hostages during the first six-week phase. In exchange, scores of Palestinians will be freed from Israeli prisons. Siegel’s wife Aviva was also released in an earlier hostage and prisoner swap.
The release comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, with both sides accusing each other of breaching the ceasefire agreement. However, with the Trump administration involved, negotiations are expected to move forward, according to analysts.
Siegel, who has been held captive since October 2023, was released in Gaza City about two hours after his fellow hostages, Yarden Bibas and Ofer Arbel Yehoud were freed by militants in Gaza.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hamas-ceasefire-american-keith-siegel-hostage-3rd-release-gaza