Keith Siegel, a prisoner of war in the Gaza Strip. Photo: Courtesy Tal Wax
American citizen Keith Siegel, who was taken hostage on 7 October 2023 during a Hamas attack on Kfar Azza, may be released next week as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. This was reported by NBC News, citing Israeli sources.
Release of hostages: progress of events
In addition to Keith Siegel, two other women are reported to be fired:
- Arbel Yehud, civilian.
- Agam Berger, a soldier.
This will be part of the second phase of the ceasefire, which provides for the release of 33 hostages within six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
So far, seven hostages have been released from captivity, including four Israeli women soldiers who returned home last Saturday.
Tragedy and hope
Keith Siegel, who grew up in North Carolina, was kidnapped during the attack on Kfar Azza. His wife Aviva was released in November 2023 during the previous week-long ceasefire. However, Keith’s mother died in December before she heard from her son.
Kfar Azza resident Emily Damari, who was released on 19 January, had previously asked Hamas to release Siegel instead, but the militants rejected her request.
