CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — A Chapel Hill man was released from the militant group Hamas’ custody Saturday morning after more than 15 months as a hostage.
He waved to a crowd of cheers as Hamas led him on a stage and eventually into a Red Cross Van. The organization handles all transfers.
Israel Defense Forces say each hostage released today was medically evaluated before returning to family.
Siegel was greeted by a song of joy and claps from his family members in Israel.
Siegel is originally from North Carolina but moved to Israel in his early 20s. He was among seven American citizens taken as hostages in Gaza during the attack.
Siegel’s wife Aviva was also captured by Hamas on Oct. 7. She was released in an earlier hostage and prisoner swap in November 2023.
“This is an exciting day for all of us. After so many days in a difficult and complex reality, we must all remember that it is an emotionally and medically challenging event for those who returned,” said officials.
Hostage releases are expected to continue for the next three weeks as a part of the current ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel.
