Hamas has published a video showing the first proof of life of US and Israeli hostages Keith Siegel and Omri Miran being held in Gaza.
In undated footage filmed under duress, Omri Miran says he has been held for 202 days and Keith Siegel mentions this week’s Passover holiday, indicating the clips were filmed recently.
Both were captured when Hamas launched its deadly attacks on October 7.
Responding to the video, their families said they would keep fighting for the men’s return.
They also urged the Israeli government to secure a new hostage release deal.
The new video comes as Hamas said it was studying Israel’s latest proposal for a truce. Media reports said mediator Egypt had sent a delegation to Israel to give fresh impetus to stalled negotiations.
Such a deal that included an agreement to free the remaining hostages could stop Israel’s planned ground assault in the southern city of Rafah, Israel’s foreign minister said on April 27.
Kieth Siegel, a US citizen, was kidnapped with his wife Aviva, though she was freed in November during a brief truce.
Image source: Hamas
In a video statement Keith Siegel’s wife Aviva said: “Keith, I love you, we will fight until you return.”
Speaking at the weekly demonstration in Tel Aviv demanding action to release the hostages on Saturday evening, Dani Miran, Omri Miran’s father, led chanting by the crowds.
He was visibly emotional as he delivered a powerful speech, describing his excitement seeing the video of his son, knowing that “he was hopefully alive”.
But his speech also had a political element. He talked directly to the government and specifically by name mentioned its far-right members – National Security Minister, Itamar ben Gvir and Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, calling on them to secure a hostage deal.
He urged Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to “approve any viable deal”.
What was also notable was that before Omri Miran’s father made his speech, the hostage video was shown in full on big screens around Hostage Square.
This is highly unusual, as such videos are not generally played on TV.
