President Trump Reports Death of Three Hostages

President Trump revealed that three additional hostages have died under Hamas captivity in Gaza, reducing the number of living captives to 21 as Israel prepares for potential military escalation if diplomatic efforts fail. However, Israel confirms 24 hostages are alive in Gaza, following concerns raised by Trump’s comments that alarmed their families.

Quick Takes

President Trump announced three more hostages have died in Gaza, with only 21 now believed to be alive
Israel says 24 hostages alive in Gaza after Trump’s comment sparks concern, though Sara Netanyahu suggested fewer than 24 hostages remain alive
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is currently negotiating for the hostages’ release as “Operation Gideon’s Chariots” stands ready
Hamas has reportedly accepted a proposal to release one American-Israeli hostage and the remains of four others
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is advocating for increased military action to rescue hostages and defeat Hamas

Trump Reveals Declining Hostage Numbers

During a White House swearing-in ceremony for Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, President Trump delivered the somber news that three more hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have died. This revelation brings the estimated number of living hostages down to just 21, although Israel says there’s 24 now. The President’s announcement came without specific details regarding the identities of the deceased captives or how this information was obtained. This latest development further complicates ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas.

President Trump reflected on previous hostage release efforts, noting, “Well, we’ve gone very slowly, because we want to try and get as many hostages saved as possible, and we’ve done a good job in that regard.” He also referenced a recent meeting with former hostages, stating, “Two weeks ago, I had 10 hostages come in, and they thanked me profusely.” During this meeting, Trump apparently learned details about the remaining captives in Gaza.

Trump says only 21 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza now believed to be alive
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Diplomatic Efforts and Military Preparations

As negotiations continue, Hamas has reportedly accepted a proposal to release one living American-Israeli hostage, Idan Alexander, along with the remains of four other hostages. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed skepticism about Hamas’s statements, characterizing them as psychological warfare. Israel is demanding the release of half the remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire extension and a lasting truce in Gaza, setting high stakes for the ongoing talks.

“They said only 24 are living and I now correct, I say 21 because as of today it’s 21. Three have died. So this is a terrible situation,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved a contingency plan named “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” which would involve invading and occupying the Gaza Strip if diplomatic efforts fail. This operation, potentially one of the largest since the conflict began in October 2023, would involve tens of thousands of IDF reservists. The plan would be triggered if no agreement is reached by the end of President Trump’s Middle East visit, significantly raising regional tensions.

Netanyahu’s Push for Military Action

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has become increasingly vocal about his support for intensified military operations to defeat Hamas and rescue the remaining hostages. “We decided on intensified action in Gaza. That was the IDF chief of staff’s recommendation — to move, as he said, toward the defeat of Hamas. He believes this will also help us rescue the hostages. I agree with him,” Netanyahu stated, signaling potential escalation of the conflict that has already claimed thousands of lives on both sides.

“We’re trying to get the hostages out, we’ve gotten a lot of them out. As the expression goes, there are 21 plus a lot of dead bodies,” President Trump added.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, ending a two-month truce. Reports indicate 1,218 deaths on the Israeli side and at least 2,507 deaths in Gaza since hostilities resumed. While the Israeli military has previously reported 58 hostages still held in Gaza, with 34 believed to be dead, President Trump’s latest announcement suggests the situation may be even more dire for the remaining captives as diplomatic and military tensions continue to mount.