Backlash Against 60 Minutes Host for Questioning Hostage’s Treatment by Hamas

In a recent broadcast of CBS’s 60 Minutes, host Lesley Stahl faced intense scrutiny after questioning a former hostage released by Hamas about his treatment during captivity. This segment has ignited a fierce backlash on social media platforms, primarily from pro-Israel commentators and activists.

During the program, Stahl asked Keith Siegel if Hamas starved him deliberately or if their lack of food was a result of scarcity. This question overshadowed the serious discussion about the former hostages’ harrowing experiences in captivity and sparked outrage among viewers.

Horrific Accounts from Former Hostages

Stahl’s interview featured several recently freed hostages, including Siegel, who shared gut-wrenching narratives about their time in Hamas-controlled tunnels. He described the conditions as unimaginable, highlighting the brutal treatment he and other captives endured.

After the release of his wife Aviva, Siegel remarked that Hamas’s demeanor shifted dramatically. He recounted how the group became increasingly violent, stating, “They were beating me and starving me.” Stahl’s follow-up question—wondering if the starvation was due to a lack of resources—drew ire, as many felt it undermined the severity of Siegel’s experience.

Details of Captivity

Siegel was not only starved during his captivity but also subjected to psychological and physical torment. He described how Hamas members would eat meals in front of him, denying him food, and even depicted horrific scenes of violence against female hostages. Such details compounded the audience’s outrage against Stahl’s line of questioning.

Public Reaction

The backlash on social media was swift and brutal. Jewish journalist Ari Hoffman criticized Stahl’s inquiry, likening it to asking if Nazis meant to starve the Jews during the Holocaust. This comparison pointed to the perceived insensitivity of Stahl’s approach.

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