Former hostage Keith Siegel to Donald Trump: "Please bring them all home"

Former hostage Keith Siegel, released from captivity two weeks ago as part of the hostage deal, sent a video message to President Trump on Friday: "I was held for 484 days in unimaginable conditions, every day felt like it might be my last... Please, bring them home." Keith's wife, Aviva, was also kidnapped - and released as part of the previous kidnapping deal.

"My name is Keith Siegel, and I'm a 65-year-old American citizen. I love country music and love eating pancakes on Saturday mornings. But that was my previous life," Keith said. "Since February 1, I have been a freed Hamas hostage. I'm surviving. I was held for 484 days in unimaginable conditions, and every day felt like it might be my last."

He went on to address the US president directly, thanking him: "President Trump, you are the reason I am at home, alive. Thanks to you, I was reunited with my beloved wife, my four children and my five grandchildren. Thank you for your ongoing fight against terrorism and for your courageous leadership that has brought me and many others back into our home, our families, security and peace.

"When I was in Gaza, I lived in constant fear, fear for my life and personal safety. I was starved and tortured physically and mentally. As the war intensified, the terrorists who held me treated me even more cruelly. They kicked me, spat on me, and held me without water, without light, and without air.

"Mr. President, your leadership, power and authority are necessary to enforce the ceasefire and put an end to the unnecessary daily dangers to the lives of the abductees and innocent civilians. Your leadership and power will ensure that the agreement is respected by all parties. This is what will allow all 76 hostages to return home to their families."

Yisrael Hayom contributed to this article.