The Palestinian Islamist militia Hamas released a new propaganda video on Saturday showing two hostages taken during the October 7 terrorist attack. In the video, the hostages are Keith Samuel Siegel, an American citizen kidnapped from Kfar Azza, and Omri Miran, kidnapped from Kibbutz Nahal Oz. This comes after a previous video was released earlier this week featuring Hersha Goldberg-Paulin, criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not securing their release.
Following the release of the second video, the Forum of Hostages and Missing Families called on the Israeli government to ensure the release of all hostages before Independence Day on May 14. The timing of the video is causing concern because Israel and Hamas have not reached a ceasefire agreement since the October attack, sparking fears of further conflict.
Recent meetings between Egyptian and Israeli security agencies proposed a cease-fire agreement aimed at freeing hostages, improving conditions in Gaza and preventing a major military operation. The proposal includes the gradual release of hostages and prisoners held by Hamas in exchange for calm in the region. Although both sides have shown a willingness to negotiate, Hamas demands an end to aggression and the withdrawal of Israeli forces as part of any deal. Israel, backed by the United States, is calling on Hamas to accept a ceasefire proposal to avoid further conflict and ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome of the negotiations and the prospects for peace in