Hamas has released a new video that appears to show two hostages who have been held in Gaza since the October 7 attack on southern Israel.
The two men, Keith Siegel, 64, and Omri Miran, 47, speak in the video against an empty background, sending their love to their families and asking to be released.
The video was released during the Passover holiday, when Jews celebrate the biblical story of their liberation from slavery in Egypt.
Sky News has decided not to show the video online.
In the footage, Siegel breaks down in tears as he remembers spending Easter last year with his family and saying he hoped they would be reunited.
Miran was taken from his home in Nahal Oz in front of his wife and two daughters, while Siegel, who has dual US citizenship, was kidnapped with his wife, although she was released during the brief truce in November.
Keith Siegel
Omri Miran
Some 250 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage during the Hamas attack on October 7, which killed about 1,200 people.
He provoked Israel’s attack on Gaza as he vowed to destroy Hamas and bring the hostages home.
Some 34,000 Palestinians have died so far in the conflict, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
Also on Saturday, Hamas said it was reviewing a new Israeli ceasefire proposal.
Senior Hamas official Khalil al Hayya did not share details of Israel’s offer, but said it was in response to a Hamas proposal made two weeks ago.
This included a six-week ceasefire and the release of 40 civilian and sick hostages, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Israel’s Foreign Minister said on Saturday that the country’s planned raid on the southern Gaza city of Rafah could be suspended if a deal is reached to secure the release of Israeli hostages.
Read more:
Man arrested for swastika sign at pro-Palestine march
Delivering aid to Gaza with British troops is “an option”
US considers cutting funding to notorious Israeli army unit
The hostage situation is putting pressure on Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Reuters
The prospect of an attack on Rafah has raised concern in several countries, including Israel’s strongest ally, the United States.
Meanwhile, Egypt also stepped up efforts to negotiate a deal that could end the war.
An Egyptian delegation left Israel on Saturday after talks there on a “new vision” for a ceasefire in Gaza.
This would include the release of some Palestinian hostages and prisoners and the return of many displaced Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza with “minimal restrictions,” according to an Egyptian official.
Hamas still wants a permanent ceasefire and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops, but Israel has rejected both, saying it will continue military operations until Hamas is defeated and maintain a security presence in Gaza.
It came as protests continued around the world calling for an end to the conflict, including Pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London and in US universities.