Partial hostage release: Friend hopes couple with Chapel Hill ties are safe after getting taken hostage in Israel

Friends of a couple with ties to Chapel Hill told WRAL News they were taken hostage on Oct. 7 from a communal farm where they lived and worked in Israel.

Keith and Aviva Seigel have lived in Israel for decades, raising family on a kibbutz near the frontier with Gaza.

On Wednesday, WRAL News spoke with Alon Tal, a childhood friend of Keith Seigel. The two grew up in the Triangle.

“I think he represents the best of North Carolina,” Tal said of Keith Seigel. “He's somebody who is easygoing, friendly [and] laid back."

On Wednesday, Israel national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said the hostage release will not take place before Friday. Hanegbi gave no explanation for the delay, and it was not immediately clear when the ceasefire might begin.

“I can only pray that Keith managed to avoid the worst of that and he's in reasonable shape,” Tal said. “We should know that soon."

While it's not likely Keith Seigel will be released in the first wave of hostages, since women and children will go home first, Tal is hopeful for his friend.

“Part of the package as we are told by the press is that we will have some sort of proof of life, maybe a photograph, and I think that will be very, very important,” Tal said.

Retired Lieutenant General Robert Ashley said the releases are expected to extend into 2024. Ashley said while the ceasefire is positive, it does not signify an end to the conflict.

“You still have a large number of Israeli forces inside Gaza,” Ashley said. “They will continue to patrol. They will continue to look for other hostages that are not part of this release.”

Ashley also points to the global implications of the conflict - and possible threats to the United States.

"We've seen an increase and an uptick in attacks on U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq,” Ashley said.

Israel has said the truce could be extended by a day for every additional 10 hostages released.