**US President Donald Trump Holds Key to Gaza Conflict Resolution**
A man who was held captive by Hamas in Israel for 484 days has made a desperate appeal to US President Donald Trump, urging him to use his influence to release the remaining hostages and bring an end to the Gaza war. Keith Siegel, 66, was kidnapped on October 7, 2023, from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, during a wave of Hamas attacks on Israel.
Siegel’s experience is all too familiar. His wife, Aviva, was also taken by Hamas and held for 51 consecutive days before being released during a previous ceasefire. The couple’s ordeal serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the conflict. Siegel’s words are laced with emotion as he recounts his experiences of being beaten and taunted by Hamas operatives.
“I think he has the strength, power, and ability to pressure those who need to be pressed, on both sides, in order to get an agreement, to get the deal signed, to get all the hostages back, and to bring an end to war,” Siegel said of Trump. His plea is a testament to the hope that many people have placed in the US President’s ability to broker a ceasefire.
The meeting between Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump at the White House on Monday evening has sparked renewed hopes for a resolution. However, significant differences remain between Israel and Hamas. The two sides resumed indirect discussions in Qatar on Sunday night but ended without a breakthrough.
**Siegel’s Plea: Release the Hostages**
Siegel’s primary concern is the release of the remaining hostages, believed to be up to 20 people still alive. He has made it clear that he will support any agreement that prioritizes their safe return. “It is of the highest urgency and priority to get all 50 hostages returned as soon as possible,” he said.
His words are a stark reminder of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where more than 57,000 Palestinians have died since Israel launched military actions in response to the October attacks. The conflict has claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 Israelis and held 251 others hostage.
**A Message of Hope**
Siegel’s message is one of hope and urgency. He believes that peace, security, and freedom for all people are basic human rights that every person deserves. His dream is that innocent people will not be injured, killed, or murdered in the conflict.
As Trump prepares to meet Netanyahu, Siegel’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the conflict. The world waits with bated breath for a resolution to this tragic and intractable conflict.
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