Message to families

Hamas publishes emotional hostage video

Hostage Keith Siegel bursts into tears in the video, Omri Miran (small picture) calls for a protest.(Bild: AFP/AFP, Krone KREATIV)

The radical Islamic group Hamas released another hostage video on Saturday. The footage shows two men who, according to family members, are Omri Miran and Keith Siegel. The men appear to be speaking under duress, their henchmen address the following words to the viewers: "Do what you have to do before it's too late!"

On Wednesday, the radical Islamic Palestinian organization had already published a video of the US-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin (see above).

In captivity for 202 days
"I have been in Hamas captivity for 202 days," says 47-year-old Miran in the video. The situation is difficult, "there are many bombs". It is time to reach an agreement to release the Hamas hostages. "Keep protesting so that there is an agreement now."

Omri Miran(Bild: AFP)

"I want to tell my family that I love you very much"
Keith Siegel, who also has US citizenship, breaks down in tears in the video. "We're in danger here, there are bombs, it's stressful and scary," said the 64-year-old. "I want to tell my family that I love you very much."

He also appealed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach an agreement soon to release the hostages.

Keith Siegel(Bild: AFP)

In the video, the armed wing of Hamas explained in Hebrew that Israel's military pressure had not yet led to the hostages being freed. "Do what you have to do before it's too late," it said.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday that the offensive on Rafah would be postponed in the event of a hostage deal. "The release of the hostages is our top priority," Katz told Channel 12 television.

When asked whether this also included a postponement of the announced military operation in the city in the south of the Gaza Strip, Katz replied: "Yes." He adds: "If there is an agreement, we will suspend the operation."