Freed Hostage Testifies to Starvation in Gaza

American-Israeli Keith Siegel, who was captured by Hamas in the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, and released on February 1 this year, tells that he was subjected to starvation and torture during his time as a hostage.

» Published: February 14 2025

Freed Hostage Testifies to Starvation in Gaza
Photo: Mohammed Hajjar/AP/TT

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When I was in Gaza, I lived under constant fear, fear for my life and my safety, says 65-year-old Siegel in a recorded speech addressed to US President Donald Trump.

Hamas sparked and spat on him, and held him captive without access to water or light, tells Siegel.

I was swallowed and tortured, both physically and emotionally.

Recently, the International Red Cross Committee, ICRC, which enables the exchange of captured Israelis and Palestinians in accordance with the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, alerted about the condition of the hostages.

The latest ones released were visibly emaciated and needed to be hospitalized when they returned to Israel. ICRC demands to visit those who are still in captivity.

"We are still very concerned about the conditions of the hostages", writes the organization on X.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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