Hamas releases video showing two hostages detained in Gaza | World

Hamas releases video of two hostages who were kidnapped more than 200 days ago

The Israel Forum for Families of Hostages and Missing Persons identified the two men as Omri Miran, 47, and Keith Siegel, 64, kidnapped during the attack by Islamist militiamen in the south of the country. Siegel also holds American nationality.

The organization considered that the release of this video should motivate Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which is in indirect negotiations with Hamas for a truce in Gaza, to increase its efforts to free all the hostages.

“The proof of life of Keith Siegel and Omri Miran is the clearest evidence that the Israeli government must do everything possible to approve an agreement for the return of all hostages before Independence Day” on May 14, he stated.

“The survivors must return to their recovery and the murdered must receive a dignified burial.”

In the October 7, 2023 attack, Islamist commandos kidnapped around 250 people, of whom approximately 100 were released during a week-long truce in late November. Israel estimates that 129 hostages remain in Gaza, of whom 34 have since died.

The video is released three days after another that showed hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23 years old. The hostages appear to speak under duress.

“I have been here in Hamas captivity for 202 days. The situation is unpleasant, difficult and there are many bombs”, says Miran, which would indicate that the images were recorded at the beginning of this week.

“It’s time to reach an agreement that will get us out of here safe and sound… Keep protesting, so that there can be an agreement now,” he adds.

Siegel, who also appears in the video, became emotional when talking about captivity. “Here we are in danger, there are bombs, it’s stressful and scary,” he said, crying.

“I want to tell my family that I love them very much. For me, it’s important that they know that I’m okay,” he added.

“I have very beautiful memories of Pesach [Páscoa judaica] last year, which we celebrated together. I really hope we have the best surprise possible,” he added, calling on Netanyahu to quickly conclude a deal.

Siegel also said he had seen images of demonstrations in Israel demanding an agreement that would allow the hostages to be released. “I hope and believe that you will continue” protesting, he added.

In the video, the Ezzedine Al Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, added phrases in Hebrew.

“Military pressure has failed to free your captive children,” states one of the messages, in reference to the Israeli offensive. “Do what must be done before it is too late”, warns another.

In addition to the kidnappings, Hamas militiamen killed 1,170 people during the incursion into southern Israel on October 7, most of them civilians, according to an estimate made by the France Presse news agency (AFP) based on official Israeli data.

Netanyahu, in turn, promised to “annihilate” Hamas and launched an air and ground offensive that has left more than 34,000 dead in Gaza, according to the Ministry of Health of the Palestinian territory, governed by Hamas since 2007.

A crowd returned to the streets of Tel Aviv this Saturday to demand an agreement.

Siegel’s wife and Miran’s father participated in the demonstration, in which the video was shown while those present chanted slogans against the authorities, an AFP correspondent reported.

Dani, Miran’s father, called on Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, to reach an agreement.

“All the people of Israel and the nations of the world want to see an end to the bloodshed and, above all, an end to the suffering of their people,” he said. “Please, one request: make a decision now.”

This Saturday, Hamas committed to examining a counterproposal from Israel to establish a truce.