The Israeli-American hostage Keith Siegel is expected to be released next week as part of the third round of the first stage in the hostage deal, according to NBC News.
Siegel, a resident of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, was taken along with his wife, Aviva, during the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7. While Aviva was held captive for 51 days and freed in November 2023 during the first stage of the deal, Keith remained behind.
In April 2024, Hamas released a video confirming that Keith was alive. In the video, the timing of which remains unclear, Siegel offered a reassuring message: "It's very important to me that you know I'm okay, and I sincerely hope you're all doing well."
In an interview with Israel Hayom, Aviva recounted how they supported each other in captivity by sharing something positive each evening before bed. "There were difficult days, but we always looked for the good in every situation," she said. She also described harrowing moments, including threats, being forcibly moved between locations, and injuries inflicted on Keith. "They broke Keith's ribs, injured his hand, and shot at us," she recounted.
In early December, Keith's 96-year-old mother passed away in the US. His daughter shared the heartbreaking news on social media: "My father was taken from his home by terrorists and is being held in dark tunnels. He couldn't say goodbye to his mother." She added that Keith "couldn't be with us at the cemetery, couldn't bid farewell to the woman who raised and loved him his entire life."
