Transcript of First American hostage released by Hamas from Gaza since 2023
NBC NewsKeith Siegel's family waited 15 months to see him walk free, flanked by Hamas soldiers. And with a wave, he became the first American hostage released in more than a year. Friends and family finally got to watch him come home. This was his wife, Aviva's reaction. She was released without him in 2023. It'll only be a few days, he told her. Today was day 484. Before. A thumbs up as he reached Israeli hands, transferred by helicopter to the hospital in Tel Aviv and into Aviva's arms.
He's okay, considering the fact that the hell that he's been through.
Later, reunited with his three daughters, singing, Dad, you came back to us, Aviva beaming. The youngest had been set to get married when Hamas took their parents hostage.
One of the things that he said is, I'm sure you probably We've already changed your family name. She said, No, dad, we're waiting for you.
Another father freed today, Ofer Kaderun. His daughter and 12-month-old son were released without him 14 months ago. But Yaden Bibaas left Gaza without his wife and two children. The youngest, Khafir, was nine months on October seventh. There are grave fears for them tonight. 184 Palestinian prisoners were released in exchange, and as part of the deal, 50 injured were evacuated through Gaza's Southern border. Tonight, two more American hostages are yet to be released, Saghid Dekelhen and Eidan Alexander. These are bittersweet moments for Israel and still fragile days for the ceasefire.
Keir Simmons joins us now from Tel Aviv. And Keir, more hostages expected to be released next weekend, and talks are set for the next phase of the ceasefire?
That's right, Jose. Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to leave tomorrow to meet with President Trump in Washington. Tonight, his office said those talks will begin negotiations for phase 2 of this ceasefire agreement.
Jose.
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Israeli American hostage Keith Siegel was released by Hamas in the latest hostage-prisoner exchange as part of January's ...