An Israeli group working for the release of the hostages has identified them as Keith Siegel (64) and Omri Miran (47), who were abducted during the Hamas attack on October 7.
Both appeared to be under pressure when they spoke in the video, according to AFP.
– I have been here in Hamas’ captivity for 202 days. The situation is unpleasant, difficult, and there are many bombs. It’s time for a deal that gets us out of here, safe and sound. Continue to protest, so there will be an agreement soon, he says.
The video was posted just three days after Hamas released another video showing hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin alive.
– Signal to the government
– The proof that they are alive is the clearest signal that Israel’s government must do everything to reach an agreement that all the hostages must be returned before Independence Day (May 14), says the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
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Siegel, who is also an American citizen, broke down while speaking in the video.
– We are in danger here, there are bombs, it is stressful and frightening. I want to tell the family that I love you very much. It’s important to me that you know I’m fine, he said as he put his face in his hands and cried.
He also said he has seen the news about demonstrations in Israel demanding a deal to ensure the release of the hostages.
Asking for the protests to continue
– I hope and believe that you will continue, he said to the demonstrators who regularly organize protests with demands for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to enter into an agreement.
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Later on Saturday there were again demonstrations in Tel Aviv where the demonstrators demanded that the government enter into an agreement with Hamas.
Siegel’s wife, Aviv, and Miran’s father, Dani, also attended the protest. He asked Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to join a deal.
– The entire people of Israel and all the nations of the world want an end to the bloodshed and especially an end to the suffering of your people. Please – one wish: Make a decision now, he said.
The video of the two was released as Hamas says it is considering Israel’s latest counter-proposal for a ceasefire.
Around 250 Israelis and people from other countries were taken hostage during the Hamas attack in which close to 1,200 people were killed. More than 100 have been released, but according to Israel’s military, 129 are still in Gaza, including 34 who have died.
(© NTB)
