Freed Former Hostage Meets U.S. First Lady as Gaza Ceasefire Enters New Phase

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – A former Israeli-American hostage freed from captivity in Gaza has met with U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, as international attention shifts from hostage negotiations to sustaining a fragile ceasefire and addressing the humanitarian aftermath of the war.

The former captive, Keith Siegel, an Israeli-American man in his 60s, was abducted during the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and held by Hamas for 484 days before being released on Feb. 1, 2025, under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.

The meeting took place at the White House in Washington, where the first lady welcomed Siegel and his wife, Aviva, according to a statement from her office.

“I’m happy to see you healthy and home with your children, your grandchildren, with your family,” Trump told Siegel during the meeting.

Siegel thanked the first lady and the U.S. administration for their involvement in efforts to secure his release. “I am grateful to the first lady and to the president for their tremendous efforts to secure the return of the hostages, and my own return,” he said.

HOSTAGE RELEASES COMPLETE UNDER CEASEFIRE

All living hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks were released in late 2025 following successive rounds of negotiations mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Israeli authorities later confirmed that the remains of the final deceased hostage were recovered and returned in January 2026, meaning no captives remain in Gaza.

With the hostage issue now formally concluded, diplomatic efforts have shifted toward maintaining the ceasefire, expanding humanitarian access into Gaza, and negotiating longer-term security and governance arrangements.

U.S. and regional mediators have warned that the ceasefire remains fragile, with talks focusing on reconstruction, border crossings, and preventing renewed violence. Israeli officials have said any lasting agreement must ensure Hamas cannot rearm, while international aid agencies continue to warn of severe humanitarian needs in the territory.

SYMBOLIC MEETING, BROADER MESSAGE

U.S. officials said the meeting with the first lady was intended to highlight the human cost of the conflict and to honor those who endured prolonged captivity, as well as families who lost loved ones.

Since his release, Siegel has spoken publicly about the physical and psychological toll of long-term detention, describing prolonged isolation, uncertainty, and fear, and urging continued international engagement to prevent similar crises.

As the region enters a new and uncertain phase following the ceasefire, U.S. officials say sustaining calm and addressing long-term stability will remain a major international challenge.

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