Internet skeptical as Hamas releases clip featuring American-Israeli captive Keith Siegel and Omri Miran
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL: Hamas has released a disturbing propaganda video that features two Israeli captives, Omri Miran and Keith Siegel. The hostages, who appear in the video, discuss their captivity and appeal for action to secure their release.
Omri Miran, 47, and Keith Siegel, a 64-year-old American and Israeli citizen, were prominently featured in the video, which was released by Hamas on Saturday afternoon, April 27.
The footage, seemingly recorded a few days earlier, shows the two men speaking about their experiences in captivity and their desire to return home.
Hamas released a video with a first proof-of-life from U.S. citizen Keith Siegal who is held hostage in Gaza. The video includes a proof-of-life from another hostage - Omri Miran pic.twitter.com/Wv9yKD6O0R
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) April 27, 2024
Keith Siegel's wife Aviva Siegal was previously released from Hamas captivity
The Miran family received confirmation of Omri's well-being back in November, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty surrounding his situation. However, Keith Siegel's case holds additional significance as an American citizen, with his wife, Aviva Siegal, having been released from Gaza after 53 days.
In the clip, both the captors expressed their awareness of recent demonstrations in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem advocating for their release. They requested the protesters to persist in their efforts, suggesting that sustained pressure on the government could lead to negotiations with the Palestinian militant group.
"Only under pressure will the government conclude a deal with Hamas," plead Miran and Siegel in the video, according to i24news. They also mention their inability to celebrate Passover this year, a reminder of their continued captivity during significant religious holidays.
Omri Miran and Keith Siegel expressed hope of returning before Independence Day
Besides, the hostages express a shared hope of returning home before Independence Day (Yom Ha'atzmaut), which falls on May 13. Miran stated that he has been detained for 202 days, indicating that the recording was made last Thursday.
In response to the release of the video featuring Israeli hostages Omri Miran and Keith Siegel, the families' headquarters issued a poignant statement, declaring, "The sign of life from Kit Segal and Amri Miren are the clearest proof that the Israeli government should do everything to approve a deal to return all the abducted even before Independence Day, the living to be rehabilitated, and the murdered to be buried with dignity."
They stressed the urgency for the government to fulfill its commitment to the citizens by ensuring the safe return of all abductees, highlighting that this opportunity must not be missed.
Internet reacts to Omri Miran and Keith Siegel's video released by Hamas
Soon after Hamas released the disturbing footage, netizens started expressing their concerns over the well-being of the captors. "There is not proof of date in these videos released by Hamas. They seem to be old. It’s a psychological warfare that Biden will welcomes to use for pressuring Israel," said one user.
Another tweeted, "I won’t even believe the LIVE VIDEO! you forgot you are dealing with shape shifting demons."
"Where are the calls to demand their release?" asked one and another said, "It seems like the US is open to a side deal for at least Keith and Hersh if the talks fall through. I'm not sure if Omri has any ties to the US that can help him out."
"Hamas are deliberately torturing the families but good to know they are alive . It’s heartbreaking," tweeted a user.
Hamas are deliberately torturing the families but good to know they are alive . It’s heartbreaking.
— Sharon Bialy (@SharonBialy) April 27, 2024
It seems like the US is open to a side deal for at least Keith and Hersh if the talks fall through. I'm not sure if Omri has any ties to the US that can help him out.
— chitowngringa #Boycott Bibi-BenGvir (@chitowngirl1982) April 27, 2024
I won’t even believe the LIVE VIDEO! you forgot you are dealing with shape shifting demons.
— 👑Fereshteh Gilaki (@fereshtehgilaki) April 27, 2024
There is not proof of date in these videos released by Hamas. They seem to be old. It’s a psychological warfare that Biden will welcomes to use for pressuring Israel.
— Pantea Peyvandi 🇮🇱 💚🦁☀️ ❤️ (@PanteaPeyvandi) April 27, 2024
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