Former Hostage Keith Siegel Details Torture, Calls for Release of 50 Remaining Hostages

Keith Siegel, a 65-year-old Israeli-American freed from Hamas captivity in February after 484 days, has publicly recounted harrowing experiences of violence and psychological torment during his time in Gaza. Speaking out, Siegel emphasized the urgent need to secure the release of approximately 50 hostages still held by Hamas, including individuals he was held with, such as Omri Miran, Matan Angrest, and twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman. His testimony highlights the dire conditions faced by those still captive and intensifies calls for a deal.

Siegel, abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023, described enduring severe violence, including being threatened with death multiple times and having guns pointed at his head. He also witnessed the torture of other captives. "I personally endured severe violence and was threatened with death several times. I had guns pointed at my head," Siegel stated. He recounted a particularly disturbing incident where a female hostage was held at gunpoint, and he was forced to try and elicit a confession from her.

The former hostage expressed profound emotional distress over those left behind. "I came home in body — but parts of me are still in Gaza, with Omri, with Gali and Ziv, with Matan," he conveyed. Omri Miran, a 48-year-old father of two young girls, Roni and Alma, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nahal Oz. His wife, Lishay, has continuously campaigned for his return, noting the emotional toll on their children. Hamas released a propaganda video of Miran in April, showing him alive but under duress.

Matan Angrest, an Israeli soldier, was captured while severely wounded from his tank at Nahal Oz and has been subjected to extreme conditions, including alleged electrocution and untreated burns, according to testimonies from released hostages and his family. His mother, Anat Angrest, has publicly shared disturbing footage of his abduction, pleading for his release due to his life-threatening medical state. Gali and Ziv Berman, 27-year-old twins from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, were also abducted on October 7. Their family received a sign of life from them in February, though they are reportedly being held separately.

Siegel's powerful appeal underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis, urging international and political leaders to prioritize the immediate return of all remaining hostages. "That disconnection from your family in captivity — not knowing if they’re okay, knowing they don’t know if you’re okay — it’s torture," he concluded, reinforcing the immense psychological burden on both the captives and their waiting families. Negotiations for a comprehensive hostage deal remain complex, with families of the remaining captives intensifying their efforts and appeals for their loved ones' urgent release.