'What can I do to bring the others home?' Hostages freed from Hamas captivity vow all must return

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. When he returned to Israel last week, gaunt and pale, the first words to his family, according to his brother, Lee Siegel, were: “I’m back, I’m home.” Then, he asked, “What can I do to help bring the other hostages home?” Hostages are returning after 15 months in captivity as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, and with their freedom, the first details of their ordeals are emerging. “My family and I traveled the globe, knocking on every door, sharing our story with anyone who would listen,” Siegel’s wife, Aviva, a former hostage, told reporters after the release of her husband. We must not turn away," she said, adding that the "hostages remaining in Gaza deserve better.” After 15 months of devastating war sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire deal last month. Lee Siegel said his family is taking some time to themselves before returning to the demonstrations, overseas travel and media interviews for the remaining hostages' release.