Hostage Survivors Detail Harrowing Ordeal in Gaza

Aviva and Keith Siegel, who were held captive in Gaza, have shared difficult details of their captivity in an interview for the IDF's official international podcast, marking three years since the October 7th attacks. The couple recounted their abduction from their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza and their time as hostages together. They described Keith's attempts to delay their capture, hoping for IDF intervention, and moments in a tunnel where they believed they would not survive.

On the morning of October 7th, the Siegels were at home when they heard approaching gunfire. After terrorists breached their home, Keith recalled the small living room filling with about 15 militants, some in uniform and others in civilian clothes, armed with Kalashnikov rifles and knives. Keith initially underestimated the threat, believing only a small group of terrorists had breached the border fence, which had been presented to residents as an almost impenetrable barrier.

The terrorists forced the couple out of their home through a back window. During the exit, Aviva injured her knee, and Keith sustained broken ribs. While being taken to a car, Keith deliberately walked slowly and feigned confusion to buy time for IDF forces to arrive. He explained that any delay before reaching the car would give the IDF more time to rescue them. However, the militants fired again, hitting Keith in the hand. Even in the car, Keith considered ways to delay their departure, knowing that three incorrect car ignition codes would disable the vehicle for 20 to 30 minutes. Aviva expressed her fear, asking Keith if he was crazy and if they would be killed. Ultimately, he entered the correct code.

On the journey to Gaza, Keith observed heavy black smoke rising from the kibbutz. He was surprised to find the main gate to Gaza wide open, contrary to his expectation that they had cut through the fence. This sense of unreality persisted throughout their 484 days in captivity. During their time together, Aviva stated they were moved 12 times between different locations, and she was moved again after being separated from Keith. They were held in tunnels and houses, including a location Aviva believed was a UN school, noting a UN-marked vehicle at the entrance.

One of the most difficult experiences was in a second tunnel, where Aviva described touching death with their bodies and souls due to severe oxygen deprivation. They struggled to breathe, experiencing heaviness, headaches, and extreme weakness. Aviva recalled looking at the ceiling and telling herself not to look at Keith, repeatedly wishing to die before him. She had been convinced her son was killed during the captivity. In that moment, facing what she believed was the end, she thought about parting with her family and Keith. The militants visited the tunnel briefly in the morning and afternoon, leaving them alone otherwise. Food and water were scarce, and at one point, water ran out. Aviva shared a tiny amount of remaining water, giving one sip to each person, including another female hostage. She prepared for extreme scenarios, saving a plastic bag to urinate in, anticipating they might need to drink it to survive due to dehydration, though she ultimately did not need to.

After more than 12 hours, the militants returned with water, bringing a sense of hope for survival. The Siegels also described being held in civilian homes, including one with young children. Aviva mentioned a militant saying a girl of about three or three and a half was his daughter. Keith emphasized that Hamas uses hospitals, schools, mosques, and private homes for cover. Aviva added that the world needs to wake up and prevent Hamas from behaving in such a manner, so no one else suffers as they did.