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Keith Samuel Siegel released by Hamas

Carolina Journal

Katherine Zehnder

Carolina Journal


After 484 days in captivity, Chapel Hill native Keith Samuel Siegel was freed alongside two other hostages in the fourth wave of releases under the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement.


“Today, after more than a year in the brutal captivity of Hamas, North Carolina native Keith Siegel is finally free and reunited with his family, including his beloved wife Aviva,” Sen. Thom Tillis, R-NC, said in a press release. “This is a moment of great relief and celebration, but we cannot forget about the remaining hostages. I am confident the Trump Administration will continue to work closely with our ally Israel as it seeks to free every remaining hostage. This fragile ceasefire is completely dependent on the behavior of Hamas and we must remain vigilant.”


Siegel is not only a Chapel Hill native but the first American hostage to be released from captivity under the ceasefire agreement. Siegel and his wife Aviva were taken captive on Oct 7, amongst the 253  hostages captured by Hamas. Aviva was released after 51 days in captivity. 


“We are overjoyed for Keith Siegel and his loved ones that the long nightmare that began on October 7, 2023 is finally over,” said Sen. Ted Budd in a press release. “Keith is now reunited with his wife and family, fulfilling the prayers of millions across the United States and around the world. Thank you to President Trump for delivering the decisive pressure that brought us to this day. I would also like to thank the U.S. State Department and Intelligence community, as well as the governments of Israel, Egypt, and Qatar for their efforts.”


“I remain committed to securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, especially the six Americans,” continued Budd. “They must not–and will not–be forgotten. I will continue to work to bring the terrorists who committed these acts to justice for their heinous crimes.”


Last Monday, it was reported that Siegel would be among the hostages released on Saturday. Hostages have been released every weekend, with the first round released on January 19, the day before President Trump’s inauguration, and an additional round released this past Thursday. 


Emily Damari, who was amongst the first round of hostages released, requested of her Hamas captors that Siegel should take her place and be released first, reported the Times of Israel. Keith is the father of Damari’s close friend, Shir Siegel. 


Siegel (Keith) was released in Gaza City Saturday morning, about two hours after the other two hostages, Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon were released in the city of Khan Younis, reported CBS News.


The hostages were first handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza before the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed they were in their custody. Although Siegel appeared to have lost weight, he waved and smiled as Hamas transferred him to the Red Cross. The IDF stated that all three hostages would be reunited with their families and taken to hospitals in Israel for medical care.

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