U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy in Israel during a press conference at the White House yesterday (Friday), when he stated that fewer than 20 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are still alive. His remarks caused despair among the families of the prisoners.
اضافة اعلان
An Israeli official in charge of prisoners immediately denied Trump’s statement, confirming that there has been no change in the number of living hostages, according to the Times of Israel.
“Fewer than 20 Hostages Alive”
Speaking to reporters, Trump claimed credit for securing the release of hostages under the recent ceasefire agreement between January and March and discussed efforts to bring the remaining group home. He said: “If they now have 20, but it may not actually be 20, because two of them are no longer present.”
Trump did not provide further details on his claim that fewer than 20 hostages remain alive, adding: “We are doing our utmost to release the detainees; it’s not easy.” He described the situation as “extortion” that must end and suggested that a military operation would be safer than negotiating with Hamas.
When asked about U.S. support for Israel’s decision to seize Gaza City, despite families’ fears that their children might be killed, he responded: “Not all of them,” referring to a minority of relatives of the hostages.
Families Respond
The Forum of Prisoners and Missing Persons’ Families issued a statement saying: “Mr. President, there are 50 hostages. For us, each of them is a universe.” They criticized Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer for communicating only with U.S. officials instead of the families.
Official Israeli Denial
Following the families’ statement, Gal Hirsch, the Israeli government official in charge of prisoners, confirmed that there has been no change in the number of hostages alive. He wrote that 20 hostages are alive, two are in critical condition, and 28 have died and were officially declared dead.
Israel has consistently stated that Hamas holds 50 hostages, including 49 of the 251 taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The figure includes at least 28 bodies confirmed by the Israeli army. Twenty hostages are believed alive, with serious concerns for the safety of two others. Hamas also holds the body of an Israeli soldier killed in Gaza in 2014.
Israel Prepares to Invade Gaza City
Trump’s remarks came as Israel prepares for a large-scale operation to take control of Gaza City, amid intense international efforts to return both sides to negotiations.
Israel is expected to launch the operation in mid-September, roughly two weeks after reservists return to duty on September 2, according to Channel 12. Around one million Palestinians currently in Gaza City are reportedly being asked to evacuate their homes by Sunday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the political leadership are pushing to accelerate the operation, while the military seeks to ensure the safety of hostages and soldiers, evacuate civilians, and secure international legitimacy. Officials stressed the urgency of rescuing the hostages due to their dire conditions.
No significant disputes currently exist between Israel and Hamas regarding a ceasefire or prisoner release agreement, though Netanyahu’s decisions remain decisive. Hamas recently agreed to a phased ceasefire and prisoner release, previously accepted by Israel, while Netanyahu intends to proceed in Gaza City and negotiate only on a full release of hostages.
Reports indicate Israel plans to resume negotiations in the coming days, though the location is uncertain, with discussions unlikely to return to Doha or Cairo. Israel views the imminent Gaza City operation as a pressure tactic on Hamas to allow greater flexibility in talks. Netanyahu is reportedly renaming the operation “Iron Fist” instead of “Gideon’s Vehicles 2,” following the May “Gideon’s Vehicles” operation.
Israel continues its plans to seize Gaza’s largest urban center, having mobilized tens of thousands of reservists, despite international criticism over potential mass displacement of Palestinians and security concerns for the hostages.
—(Agencies)
