ALBAWABA - Keith Segal, an Israeli-American prisoner released on Saturday as part of the fourth phase of the prisoner exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas, issued a statement via Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades.
In addition to condemning the Israeli government for its handling of hostage talks, Segal's testimony provides insight into the circumstances under which he was detained in Gaza.
Segal, 65, said in the letter released by Al-Qassam that his kidnappers were considerate of his requirements and made sure he had enough food, drink, and medical attention. He said that a doctor was sent in to treat him whenever he had a medical problem. Furthermore, he was given vegetarian meals devoid of oil to meet his health condition, demonstrating that his dietary choices were honored.
Segal reportedly thanked his captors for their treatment, according to Al Jazeera, contradicting Israeli assertions that the circumstances of the prisoners in Gaza were dire.
In addition to describing his ordeal in captivity, Segal was a harsh critic of the Israeli government, claiming that it did not move decisively to obtain the hostages' release. He said that Israeli officials were dragging out the conflict, causing needless deaths and devastation on both sides.
Al-Qassam aired a video of Segal thanking his captors for their care in Arabic before to his release.
There have been four stages of exchanges under the prisoner exchange agreement, which started as part of the truce on January 19. Al Jazeera drew attention to the disparity between the state of Israeli captives released by Hamas and the conditions of Palestinian inmates released from Israeli prisons.
Negotiations for more prisoner exchanges are still in progress as both parties consider the next course of action during the six-week truce period.
