Fri Feb 14 13:32:14 UTC 2025: ## Freed Israeli Hostage Details Hamas Torture, Red Cross Raises Concerns
**Jerusalem, February 14, 2025** – A freed Israeli-American hostage, Keith Siegel, 65, has detailed horrific accounts of starvation and torture during his captivity in Gaza, prompting renewed international concern. Siegel, released on February 1st, described being kicked, spat upon, and deprived of basic necessities like water, light, and air. He stated in a video message to US President Donald Trump that he suffered both physical and emotional torture.
Similar harrowing accounts emerged from the family of another released hostage, Liri Albag. Her mother, Shiri Albag, revealed to Israeli media that Liri endured periods without food, resorting to eating donkey feed at times. Shiri also recounted Liri’s descriptions of the poor hygienic conditions and the emotional torment inflicted through the display of videos showing the abuse of male hostages.
These allegations follow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressing deep concern over the conditions of hostages still held in Gaza. The ICRC, which has facilitated the ongoing prisoner swaps under a ceasefire agreement reached on January 19th, stressed the need for access to the remaining hostages and urged that future releases be conducted in a dignified and safe manner.
Since the ceasefire, five prisoner exchanges have taken place, with Hamas releasing 16 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The emaciated appearance of hostages released in a previous exchange on February 8th, where some were forced to thank their captors publicly, prompted international outrage and calls for more humane treatment.
Another exchange is scheduled for Saturday, with three more hostages expected to be released. Despite the ongoing releases, the ICRC maintains its commitment to securing the freedom of all remaining hostages.
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