Jerusalem, Israel – A recent video released by Hamas reveals the first proof of life of two hostages held in Gaza. The hostages, Omri Miran and Keith Siegel, were captured during Hamas’s attacks on October 7. In the video, Miran mentions being held for 202 days, while Siegel references the Passover holiday, suggesting that the footage is recent.
The families of the hostages have vowed to continue fighting for their release and have urged the Israeli government to negotiate a new hostage release deal. In response to the video, which comes as Hamas considers Israel’s latest truce proposal, mediator Egypt has sent a delegation to Israel to invigorate stalled negotiations.
Siegel’s wife, Aviva, expressed her love and commitment to bringing her husband home, highlighting the emotional toll the situation has taken on their family. Their daughters, Ilan and Shir, emphasized the urgency of reaching a deal to bring their father and other captives home safely.
At a demonstration in Tel Aviv demanding action to release the hostages, Dani Miran, Omri Miran’s father, delivered a passionate speech calling on the Israeli government to prioritize securing a hostage deal. The full hostage video was prominently displayed at the rally, a rare occurrence.
In a separate video released by Hamas, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American hostage, appealed for more efforts to be made for a new hostage release deal. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas to secure the release of all hostages are ongoing, with the parties struggling to reach an agreement.
Despite conflicting demands, both sides remain hopeful for a resolution. Israel’s potential offensive in southern Gaza looms as a contentious point of escalation, further complicating efforts to secure the hostages’ release. The hostages’ families and advocates continue to push for a swift resolution to end the prolonged uncertainty and suffering.