By Palestine Chronicle Staff Recently released Israeli-American detainee Keith Siegel described his captivity under Al-Qassam Brigades as humane while criticizing his government for failing to secure a deal sooner.

During the cease-fire's six-week first phase, 33 Israeli hostages are to be freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel says it has received information from Hamas that eight of those hostages are dead. About 80 hostages remain in Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead.