The United States government exerted behind-the-scenes pressure to secure the early release of Keith Siegel, an American citizen held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. Siegel was released alongside Ofer Calderon, a French-Israeli citizen. An Israeli official denied that Siegel's release was influenced by his US citizenship. Siegel, 65, was kidnapped alongside his wife from their home's reinforced safe room during Hamas's October 7 attack. Calderon, 54, was kidnapped alongside his children and his mother-in-law and niece were murdered by Hamas.