Aviva Siegel, whose husband Keith has been held hostage by Hamas for over 440 days, shared her anguish and hopes in a recent interview. She expressed deep concern for her husband's well-being after seeing a video released by Hamas in April, noting his visible weight loss and frail appearance. Aviva, a former hostage herself, was released in a prisoner exchange in November 2023 due to a severe stomach infection, while Keith remained captive.
Keith Samuel Siegel remains hostage in Gaza. (Hostage Family Forum)
Aviva described the harrowing conditions she and Keith endured during their 51 days of captivity, emphasizing the lack of basic necessities and the constant threat of death. She praised Keith's strength and resilience, recalling how he supported fellow hostages during their ordeal. Aviva expressed confidence that he continues to provide that same support to those currently held with him.
Aviva Siegel advocates for the release of hostages. (Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
She shared a poignant memory of their last moments together before her release, urging him to stay strong for both of them. Aviva has been a tireless advocate for the hostages' release, meeting with officials in the U.S. and Israel. She dreams of the day Keith returns home and their grandchildren can embrace him.
Negotiations for a cease-fire and hostage release are ongoing, involving officials from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar. Reports indicate a possible 42-day cease-fire and the release of some hostages, though the situation remains fluid. Hamas is believed to be holding dozens of hostages, including those killed during the initial attack and subsequently taken into Gaza. Priority is reportedly being given to the release of children, women, the sick, and the elderly in exchange for imprisoned Hamas members.
(Fox News)
While there's growing optimism surrounding the potential release of hostages, Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned against premature celebrations, acknowledging past instances where hopes were dashed. He stressed the importance of continued pressure on Hamas to secure the hostages' safe return.
