Former Israeli-American hostages have strongly criticized Hamas and echoed calls from the Trump administration to remove the group from power in Gaza.
Keith Siegel, at 66, has expressed hope that President Trump’s 20-point peace plan might help in securing the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. He suggested that no one in Israel can truly feel safe until the threat of terrorism is eliminated.
“This fanatic terrorist group must be stripped of,” Siegel asserted following his speech to a gathering in New York City. “They can’t pose any threat to anyone in the future.”
As the conflict nears its second anniversary, a large crowd gathered in Central Park, advocating for the release of the 48 hostages still held captive. They have been rallying weekly since the hostages were taken, with the latest demonstrations coinciding with negotiations about a potential peace agreement involving Trump’s proposals.
Both President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Hamas is receptive to certain terms of the agreement, while American leaders reminded that terrorist groups must agree to arms concessions and relinquish control of Gaza.
“If you never want to see this happen again, particularly something like the events of October 7th, then we must ensure it never occurs again,” Rubio mentioned during his interview with CBS.
Siegel, who was released during a brief ceasefire in February, agreed that Hamas should not remain a force in Gaza given the suffering they have caused.
During the rally, he recounted harrowing experiences from his 484 days in captivity, describing the abuse he witnessed firsthand. “I’ve seen women being abused, tortured, beaten, and treated in inhumane ways,” he shared, voicing concern for hostages who remain and understand the horrors they’re facing.
“And we could lose them. We could lose them anytime,” he added, stressing the urgency of their situation.
Israeli-Americans gathered with the hope of achieving a deal akin to the ceasefire that saved Siegel’s life. Nadab Rudav, who lost his father Riol during the attacks on October 7th, emphasized the importance of bringing the prisoners home two years later.
Recalling the violence that claimed his father’s life, he called it “inhumane — the worst thing I’ve ever experienced.” Mourning continues as he waits for closure with his father’s body still in Gaza, yet he remains cautiously optimistic about the ceasefire deal, though past disappointments temper his expectations.
Attendees at Sunday’s rally expressed a mix of hope and frustration, voicing chants like “Take them home now!” and “Seal the deal!”
Mariam Kashaniam, wearing a hat proclaiming “Free the hostages,” voiced her frustration that the hostages can no longer endure suffering while anti-Semitism grows post-October 7th. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m grateful to President Trump for those who brought it home in January and February,” she said, expressing hope for peace in the region.
As Hamas and Israel prepare for indirect negotiations aimed at advancing the peace deal, there is ongoing pressure from Trump for both sides to agree to more flexible terms.
While Hamas is agreeable to most details of the proposal, they are resisting disarmament and want to maintain governance over Gaza unless a Palestinian state is established—conditions that have not been included in the agreement and that Israel has consistently rejected.
