Former Hostage Aviva Siegel Urges Congress for Action on Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal
Aviva Siegel, a former hostage who was held captive by Hamas in the tunnels under Gaza for 51 days, urged members of Congress to secure a deal for remaining hostages during a roundtable discussion on Tuesday.
Siegel testified about her harrowing experiences and pleaded for immediate action as families of other hostages expressed concern over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's willingness to make a deal to end the brutal war in Gaza.
According to reports, US and Israeli officials are voicing increased optimism about the prospects of a ceasefire and hostage deal being agreed upon. Efforts have been ongoing for months, with renewed momentum in late May after President Joe Biden laid out a plan to bring home the hostages and eventually end the war.
However, families of Israeli hostages remain concerned that Netanyahu may not be willing to make a deal despite numerous false dawns suggesting a ceasefire was close. The Israeli Prime Minister is currently in Washington, D.C., where he is set to address Congress on Wednesday and meet with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday.
Over 39,000 Palestinians have been killed in the nine-month war according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are pushing for a phased deal that would stop the fighting and free remaining hostages. Netanyahu's office has stated that a negotiating team will be sent to continue talks on Thursday.
Siegel's testimony comes as Israeli forces continue to bombard Gaza, with reports of civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. The situation remains tense, with both sides calling for an end to the violence and a return to peace.
