Former Hamas captives are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to act swiftly to release the other hostages, even if it necessitates pausing military operations.
Following the release of American Israeli Edan Alexander earlier this week, 65 people who survived Hamas imprisonment implored Netanyahu, Trump, and Witkoff to capitalize on the current momentum, urging them not to let this pivotal opportunity slip away.
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convene at the White House in Washington, D.C., February 4, 2025. (Reuters/Elizabeth Frantz)
“We believe the Israeli government now faces a genuine opportunity to return to the negotiating table. We urge all those involved in this process: Please do not walk away until a comprehensive deal is signed,” the letter states.
Siegel is among the former hostages who signed the letter. He has previously thanked Trump for securing his release, even crediting the president for his being alive. Now, he is joining other former Hamas captives demanding freedom for those who remain in Gaza, “regardless of which citizenship they hold.”
President Donald Trump meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Saudi Royal Court May 13, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
While in the Middle East in the days after Alexander’s release, Trump has worked on making deals for the U.S., many of which could also benefit Israel, though the latest slate of deals seems to be unrelated to the remaining hostages.
The president asked Syria to join the Abraham Accords and normalize ties with Israel in exchange for sanctions relief. Additionally, Trump said Damascus would need to deport “Palestinian terrorists,” help the U.S. prevent the resurgence of ISIS and assume charge of ISIS detention centers in northeast Syria.
Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on the letter. The White House did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment in time for publication.
Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz contributed to this report.
