Editor's Note: This article contains graphic descriptions and images.
Two Israeli-American hostages, Hersh Goldberg-Polin and Keith Siegel, have been shown alive in separate propaganda videos released by Hamas. The videos provide the first evidence that both men are still being held captive after more than 200 days in Gaza.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who is missing his lower arm, was captured during the October 7 attack on Israel and taken to Gaza. In a video published on April 24, he criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for abandoning the hostages still in Gaza.
Keith Siegel and Omri Miran were also kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the same attack. Aviva Siegel, Keith's wife, was released during a ceasefire. In a video published on April 27, Keith and Omri expressed hope for a deal to return home.
Both videos were described as propaganda by Israeli officials and are likely filmed under duress.
As negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage exchange continue, Hamas' political arm has stated that it is 'serious' about releasing the hostages if Israel agrees to a ceasefire. However, Hamas is also attempting to prevent a full-scale invasion of Rafah, where an estimated 1.4 million people are seeking refuge.
Meanwhile, residents of Gaza are growing increasingly critical of Hamas as the war drags on and hopes for a ceasefire fade. More than six months into the conflict, Palestinians in Gaza blame Hamas for their suffering and the destruction of their territory.
