U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday shared a video message to him from American-Israeli Keith Seigel, who was freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza on Feb. 1, urging further efforts to release the remaining hostages.
In the message, Siegel also expressed his gratitude for Trump’s ongoing support.
Speaking in front of a ruined home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, from where the 65-year-old was taken during the Hamas-led massacre on Oct. 7, 2023, Siegel described the massive destruction caused during the attack.
“It’s hard to believe and comprehend what I’m seeing today,” he said. “Homes that were destroyed by Hamas, that were burned. People on the kibbutz were murdered, burned alive. Just horrific stories of what happened on Kfar Aza on that day.”
He stressed the urgency of returning the 63 remaining hostages, 27 of whom are believed to be alive.
“You’ve done so much so far, and we all urge you to continue your efforts and use your ability to allow more progress in the hostage exchange deal. Thank you,” he said.
Seigel’s wife, Aviva, was among the hostages returned as part of the November 2023 swap with Hamas.
Trump on Feb. 17 posted a video clip of released Israeli hostage Agam Berger thanking him for helping negotiate her freedom from Hamas captivity and asking him “to bring everyone home.”
Berger, 20, was abducted from the Nahal Oz military post on Oct. 7, 2023, along with several other female soldiers. She was released on Jan. 30 after 482 days in Gaza captivity.
“I want to take this chance to say to you, President Trump: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done and continue to do for the hostages,” Berger says in the video message.
“Thanks to you, we are home. But we must remember that there are still people who truly depend on you and are waiting for you to save them,” Berger continues. “They are waiting for your help and you have the power to do it. I beg you: Don’t stop until all the hostages—both the living and the deceased—are brought back as quickly as possible.”
The ex-hostage added: “You are my hope. I want to say that I went through many hardships there. The days didn’t pass; they stood still. Every night and day felt like eternity. That’s how those still there feel.”